Hermes, the youngest of the Twelve Olympians, is the messenger of the gods in the ancient Greece. He is the offspring of Zeus and Maia, and also recognized as the patron of travelers, commerce, athletics, literature and poets, sometimes of healing and invention, even of thieves and liars. He was well worshiped by the ancient Greeks and apparently his figure appeared in many of their myths. As an infant, he created the first lyre, which he gifted to Apollo as compensation for stealing immortal cattle, who in return gave him the caduceus, a herald staff adorned with wings and entwined by two serpents, nowadays often used to symbolize medicine. His main task is to aid travelers on their journey, and to guide the dead to the Underworld, where he could enter or leave without any hindrance. He is known to wear a winged hat (petasos) and winged sandals (talaria). Hermes is the analogue of the Roman god, Mercurius. He has also been combined with the Egyptian god Thoth to become Hermes Trismegistus.
Hermes is the initial Persona of Jun Kurosu, the one that assumedly causes Jun to be transferred to Kasugayama High School after his continual manifestations caused serious injuries to students who bullied Jun. Hermes' appearance follow the original god's pattern with the Caduceus (modeled after a rocket ship) held in his right hand, but the wings adorned on his cap and shoes are replaced by mechanically fashioned rockets. The rocket/plane motifs in his design are likely a nod to Jun's favorite book, The Little Prince. He is of the Fortune Arcana and his power is involved with the wind element, capable of reflecting any kind of attacks related to it and nullifies dark, although he has a weakness against lightning. Once the player has completed the Aquarius Temple scenario, Hermes can mutate at Rank 8, allowing Igor to transfigure Hermes into Chronos in the Velvet Room.
Persona 3[]
Hermes is Junpei Iori's initial Persona, first appearing after the Dark Hour unfolds before his eyes, causing him to scream in terror. This portrayal of Hermes lacks his caduceus, but the wings on the head and the huge ones attached to his lower body part still resemble the god's origin. His skills and abilities deploy Fire based attacks along with Physical attacks. Hermes resists Fire but has a weakness against Wind attacks. Hermes is a Persona of the Magician Arcana, an Arcana which closely resemblesthe original god's symbolism of athleticism, activity and cunning behavior.
Reload[]
"A messenger god who served Zeus. His winged sandals allow him to fly, and he was worshipped as a god of travel and commerce. He was also known as a trickster, being able to freely cross between the mortal and godly realms."
—Reload background
Stats[]
Persona 2: Innocent Sin[]
I am Hermes... Giver of fortune and fame, and herald of souls... To my alter ego: Love thy neighbor with a selflessness like the wind's...
Medium Phys attack, with high chance of Hex. (1 enemy)
Innate
Gokuentou
56 HP
Medium Fire attack that splashes to either side. (1 enemy)
Innate
Patra
6 SP
Remove ailments. (1 row)
Innate
Bound Arts
Passive
Moderately raise critical rate when target is bound.
Innate
Regenerate 1
Passive
Slightly restore HP at the end of the turn.
Innate
Called Homerun
4 SP
Counter whenever user's row is attacked for 3 turns.
Innate
Arm Chopper
19 HP
Medium Phys attack, with medium chance of Strength Bind. (1 enemy)
29
Mighty Swing
28 HP
Medium Phys attack that splashes to either side. (1 enemy) Stronger in Boost.
35
Marakukaja
18 SP
Raise defense for 3 turns. (Party)
40
Regenerate 2
Passive
Moderately restore HP at the end of the turn.
44
True Critical Eye
26 SP
Raise critical hit rate for 3 turns. (Party)
49
Blade of Fury
68 HP
Heavy Phys attack that splashes to either side. (1 enemy) Stronger in Boost.
53
Hientou
82 HP
Heavy Fire attack that splashes to either side. (1 enemy)
58
Bound Arts+
Passive
Greatly raise critical rate when target is bound.
62
Brave Blade
91 HP
Severe Phys attack that splashes to either side. (1 enemy) Stronger in Boost.
71
Gallery[]
Hermes as he appears in Shin Megami Tensei Trading Card: Card Summoner
Hermes as depicted in Persona 3.
Concept artwork of Hermes in Persona 3.
Concept anime sketch of Hermes in Persona 3 The Movie.
Hermes's Persona 3 the Movie concept design.
Movie concept artwork of Hermes.
Hermes, Junpei's initial Persona in battle.
Hermes appears in Persona 3 Manga.
Junpei Iori using an Evoker to summon Hermes.
Hermes appears in Persona 3 The Movie.
Junpei Iori using an Evoker to summon Hermes.
Hermes fighting Arcana Emperor.
Hermes in Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
Hermes in Side P3.
Trivia[]
Hermes' design in Persona 2 has leftover elements to suggest Jun's involvement in the rumor of the Last Battalion. Hermes' mask resembles the one worn by the Nazi soldiers, especially for the eagle emblem on the helmet; The feather wings appear in traditional portraits of Hermes are replaced by metal wings and engines of World War 2 military aircrafts; the Iron Cross before the chest.