If you are a fan of Greek and Roman mythology, you must be familiar with the god Hermes. Known as the messenger of the gods, Hermes is often depicted as a youthful figure with wings on his sandals and hat, carrying a herald’s staff.
However, did you know that Hermes had a Roman counterpart? In this article, we will explore who Hermes Roman name was and what it means.
The Greek God Hermes
Before we dive into the Roman equivalent of Hermes, let’s take a moment to understand who he was in Greek mythology. Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia, one of the seven Pleiades. He is best known for his role as the messenger of the gods, but he was also associated with several other domains such as commerce, thieves, travelers, and even fertility.
Hermes was often depicted wearing winged sandals that allowed him to fly swiftly from one place to another. He also carried a caduceus or herald’s staff that had two serpents intertwined around it. According to mythological accounts, this staff had magical powers that could put people into deep sleep or wake them up from it.
The Roman Equivalent of Hermes
In Roman mythology, Hermes was known by the name Mercury. Mercury was considered to be one of the 12 Olympian gods and goddesses in Rome. Like his Greek counterpart, Mercury was also associated with various domains such as commerce, thieves, travelers, messages, and communication.
Mercury was often depicted wearing a winged hat called petasus and winged sandals called talaria. He also carried a caduceus or herald’s staff that had two intertwined serpents around it. The depiction of Mercury in art is very similar to that of Hermes in Greek art.
Meaning behind the Name
The name Mercury has Latin roots and is derived from the Latin word “merx,” which means merchandise, commerce, or trade. Mercury was also associated with the planet Mercury in Roman astrology, which was named after him due to its swift movement across the sky.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes and Mercury were two different names for the same god in Greek and Roman mythology. While Hermes was known as the messenger of the gods in Greece, his Roman counterpart Mercury was associated with commerce and trade.
Both gods shared similar attributes such as their winged sandals, hat, and caduceus. Understanding the different names given to these gods in different cultures is essential to understanding how mythology shapes our world today.