What Are the Snakes on Hermes Staff Called?

The staff of Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, is one of the most recognizable symbols in Greek mythology. The staff, also known as the Caduceus, features two snakes intertwined around a rod.

But have you ever wondered what these snakes are called? Let’s explore this fascinating topic.

The Snakes on the Hermes Staff

The two snakes on the Hermes staff are called Entwined Serpents. These serpents are often depicted as being venomous and dangerous, but they also represent healing and medicine.

The Symbolism of Entwined Serpents

In Greek mythology, snakes were believed to have healing powers. The entwined serpents on Hermes’ staff symbolize the balance between life and death, sickness and health. This duality is represented by the two snakes coiled around each other in opposite directions.

The entwined serpents also represent harmony and balance in nature. They are a reminder that everything in life has its opposite – light and dark, good and evil, life and death. With this understanding comes acceptance of both sides of existence.

The Caduceus vs. The Rod of Asclepius

It’s important to note that there is some confusion surrounding the use of the caduceus in modern times. It is often mistakenly used as a symbol for medicine when it should be reserved for commerce and negotiation.

The correct symbol for medicine is actually the Rod of Asclepius, which features a single snake wrapped around a staff. This symbol was inspired by Asclepius, the Greek god of healing, who was often depicted holding a serpent.

In conclusion, while many people may mistake the caduceus on Hermes’ staff as a medical symbol due to its association with healing serpents, it’s important to remember that it is actually a symbol for commerce and negotiation. The correct symbol for medicine is the Rod of Asclepius, which features a single serpent wrapped around a staff. Nonetheless, the entwined serpents on Hermes’ staff remain a powerful symbol of balance, harmony and duality in Greek mythology.