439. Messenger

1. Aethalides herald of the Argonauts. [Gk. Myth.: Kravitz, 11]
2. Alden, John (1599–1687) speaks to Priscilla Mullins for Miles Standish. [Am. Lit.: “The Courtship of Miles Standish” in Hart, 188–189]
3. caduceus Mercury’s staff; symbol of messengers. [Rom. Myth.: Jobes, 266–267]
4. dove sent by Noah to see if the waters were abated; returns with an olive leaf. [O.T.: Genesis 8:8–11]
5. eagle symbolic carrier of God’s word to all. [Christian Symbol-ism: Appleton, 35]
6. Gabriel announces births of Jesus and John the Baptist. [N.T.: Luke 1:19, 26]
7. Hermes (Rom. Mercury ) messenger of the gods. [Gk. Myth.: Wheeler Dictionary, 240]
8. Iris messenger of the gods. [Gk. Myth.: Kravitz, 130; Gk. Lit.: Iliad ]
9. Irus real name was Arnaeus; messenger of Penelope’s suitors. [Gk. Lit.: Odyssey ]
10. Munin and Hugin Odin’s two ravens; brought him news from around world. [Norse Myth.: Leach, 761]
11. Nasby nickname for U.S. postmasters. [Am. Usage: Brewer Dictionary, 745–746]
12. Pheidippides ran 26 miles from Marathon to Athens to carry news of Greek defeat of Persians. [Gk. Legend: Zimmerman, 159]
13. Pony Express speedy relay mail-carrying system of 1860s. [Am. Hist.: Flexner, 276]
14. Reuters news agency; established as telegraphic and pigeon post bureau (1851). [Br. Hist.: Benét, 852]
15. Revere, Paul (1735–1818) warned colonials of British advance (1775). [Am. Hist.: 425–426]
16. staff symbolic of a courier on a mission. [Christian Symbolism: Appleton, 4]
17. Stickles, Jeremy messenger for the king of England (1880s). [Br. Lit.: Lorna Doone, Magill I, 524–526]
18. Strogoff, Michael courier of the czar. [Fr. Lit.: Michael Strogoff ]
19. thorn the messenger of Satan. [N.T.: II Corinthians 12:7]
20. Western Union company founded in 1851; provides telegraphic service in U.S. [Am. Hist.: NCE, 2958]

mes·sen·ger / ˈmesənjər/ • n. 1. a person who carries a message or is employed to carry messages. ∎  Biochem. a substance that conveys information or a stimulus within the body.2. Naut. (also messenger line) an endless rope, cable, or chain used with a capstan to haul an anchor cable or to drive a powered winch. ∎  a light line used to haul or support a larger cable.• v. [tr.] send (a document or package) by messenger: could you have it messengered over to me?PHRASES: shoot (or kill) the messenger treat the bearer of bad news as if they were to blame for it.

messenger shoot the messenger treat the bearer of bad news as if they were to blame for it; often in the form, don't shoot (or kill) the messenger! Being the bearer of bad tidings has been a traditionally thankless task, as in Sophocles' Antigone, ‘No man loves the messenger of ill.’

See also corbie messenger.