Initially appearing in Ransom as a young and rather vain Greek soldier, Hermes is in fact the Greek messenger god. He is also the god of travelers, and the escort of souls to the afterlife, so it is symbolically fitting that he acts as a guide and protector to Priam and Somax as they make their way to Achilles’s hut. The men encounter him shortly before crossing the River Scamander, and he introduces himself as an escort sent by Achilles to protect them. Although both Priam and Somax are initially mistrustful, they have no choice but to accept his presence, and after helping them ford the river, Hermes reveals his true identity. Priam takes heart from the knowledge that the gods approve of his plan, and Hermes accompanies them for the rest of their journey.