When it comes to Greek mythology, there are a few names that stand out as being particularly well-known. One such name is Hermes, the messenger of the gods.
But did you know that the Romans had their own name for this figure? In this article, we’ll explore what the Roman’s called Hermes and why.
Who Was Hermes?
Before we dive into what the Romans called this figure, let’s first take a quick look at who Hermes was in Greek mythology.
Hermes was the son of Zeus and Maia, one of the seven sisters known as the Pleiades. He was known as a trickster god who often played pranks on both humans and other gods. He was also associated with commerce and travel, as well as being a messenger between humans and gods.
What Did the Romans Call Hermes?
So if Hermes was known as a Greek god, what did the Romans call him? The answer is Mercury.
Mercury was essentially the Roman equivalent of Hermes. Like Hermes, he was associated with communication and travel, but he also had some additional associations that were specific to Roman culture. For example, Mercury was also associated with financial gain and commerce, which made him an important figure for merchants and traders.
Why Did They Change His Name?
It’s worth noting that while Mercury was essentially just another name for Hermes, there were some differences between how these two figures were depicted in art and literature. For example, while both were associated with winged sandals (which allowed them to travel quickly), Mercury was often depicted wearing a winged helmet as well.
So why did the Romans feel the need to change Hermes’ name in the first place? There are a few theories on this topic.
One is simply that they wanted to create their own distinct pantheon of gods that reflected their culture and values. Another theory is that the Romans were uncomfortable with the idea of worshipping a god who was associated with trickery and deceit, which were not values that they held in high regard.
The Legacy of Mercury
Despite being essentially the same figure as Hermes, Mercury has had a lasting impact on Western culture. The planet Mercury is named after him (due to its quick movements across the sky), and his name has been used in a variety of contexts over the years. For example, the element mercury (also known as quicksilver) is named after him due to its fluidity and fast movement.
In conclusion, while Hermes may be more well-known in popular culture today, the Romans had their own version of this figure in the form of Mercury. Whether you call him Hermes or Mercury, there’s no denying that this figure has had a significant impact on mythology and culture throughout history.