Is Hermes Also Mercury?

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Is Hermes Also Mercury?

Many people wonder about the relationship between the Greek god Hermes and the Roman god Mercury. Are they the same deity, just with different names, or are they distinct entities with similar attributes? To answer this question, we need to delve into their mythology, history, and symbolism.

The Myths of Hermes and Mercury

Hermes is one of the twelve Olympian gods in Greek mythology, known as the messenger of the gods, patron of travelers, merchants, thieves, and inventors. He is depicted as a youthful figure with winged sandals and a caduceus (a staff with two snakes wrapped around it). Hermes is also associated with fertility, music, trickery, and psychopomp (a guide of souls to the afterlife).

Mercury is one of the major gods in Roman mythology, identified with Hermes by the Romans due to his similar functions. He is also a messenger god who presides over commerce (especially grain), travel, eloquence, and thievery. He wears a winged hat (petasus) and sandals (talaria), carries a caduceus or a purse (satchel), and has a temple on the Circus Maximus in Rome.

The History of Hermes and Mercury

The origins of Hermes can be traced back to ancient Near Eastern cultures such as Sumeria (where Inanna/Ishtar had similar traits as a goddess) and Egypt (where Thoth had similar attributes as a god). However, Hermes became more prominent in Greek art and literature from around 700 BCE onward. His cult spread throughout Greece and beyond via trade routes.

Mercury was originally an Etruscan deity named Turms or Turan who had some similarities with Hermes but also some differences. When the Romans conquered the Etruscans, they adopted Turms as their own god and merged him with Hermes to create Mercury. This syncretism allowed the Romans to assimilate foreign beliefs and practices without rejecting their own traditions.

The Symbolism of Hermes and Mercury

The symbolism of Hermes and Mercury reflects their roles as intermediaries between different realms and domains. They are both messengers who bridge the gap between gods and mortals, living beings and dead souls, land and sea, commerce and communication, wisdom and wit. Their winged attributes suggest speed, agility, freedom, and transcendence.

The caduceus that Hermes carries is a symbol of peace (as it separates two fighting snakes) but also of negotiation (as it represents an agreement or a contract). It has been adopted as a medical symbol in modern times but has no direct connection with healing or health in ancient mythology.

The purse that Mercury sometimes carries is a symbol of wealth (as it contains money) but also of theft (as it can be used to steal). It has been associated with merchants, bankers, gamblers, or thieves depending on the context.

The Conclusion: Similar but Not Identical

So, is Hermes also Mercury? The answer is yes and no. Yes, they share many traits such as being messenger gods who preside over commerce and travel.

They also have similar appearances (wings, hat, sandals) and symbols (caduceus, purse). However, they are not identical because they come from different mythologies with distinct histories and cultures. They also have some differences in their stories (Hermes has more adventures than Mercury) and personalities (Hermes is more playful than Mercury).

Therefore, we can appreciate both Hermes and Mercury as fascinating figures in their own right, and also as examples of how different cultures can influence and enrich each other. We can also use their stories and symbols to inspire our own creativity, curiosity, and communication.

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