Headless herm at Marathon Archaeological Museum, probably classical period. The herm is a type of monument that takes its name from Hermes, the messenger god, who was also the protector of travelers, communities and houses, entrances and exits, as well as flocks. Herms were typically set up along thoroughfares and boundaries, at gates, and also at tombs. The region of Arkadia was rich in herds of sheep and goats. The word herma is obviously derived from Hermes, whose head rests on top of these statues. In Greek mythology, Hermes was the god of numerous groups of people and aspects of daily life, including shepherds and cowherds, literature and poets, and athletics