Hermes, the Greek God of commerce, thieves, travelers, and boundaries, is a fascinating figure in Greek mythology. He was known for his speed and agility and was often depicted with wings on his sandals and helmet.
But what is Hermes symbol? Let’s dive deeper into the meaning behind this iconic symbol.
The Caduceus
One of the most recognizable symbols of Hermes is the caduceus. The caduceus is a staff with two snakes intertwined around it, sometimes topped with wings. It’s often mistaken as a symbol of medicine due to its similarity to the Rod of Asclepius, which has only one snake and no wings.
The caduceus was originally a symbol of peace used by heralds in ancient Greece. It eventually became associated with Hermes as he was also known as the messenger god and heralds were his servants. As time went on, the caduceus became a symbol of commerce and trade because it represented safe passage for merchants.
Symbolic Meanings
The caduceus has multiple symbolic meanings associated with it. One interpretation is that the two snakes represent duality, such as good vs evil or life vs death. The staff represents balance or harmony between these opposing forces.
Another interpretation is that the snakes represent healing or knowledge. In ancient Greek mythology, snakes were seen as sacred creatures associated with healing due to their ability to shed their skin and renew themselves. This symbolism eventually led to the association of the caduceus with medicine.
The wings on top of some depictions of the caduceus represent swiftness or speed. This ties back to Hermes’ reputation as a messenger god who could travel quickly between realms.
Hermes’ Other Symbols
While the caduceus is perhaps his most well-known symbol, Hermes had other symbols associated with him too. These include:
- The tortoise: Hermes was said to have invented the lyre by using a tortoise shell as the base.
- The rooster: A sacred animal to Hermes, the rooster was often used in sacrifices to him.
- The purse: As the god of commerce, Hermes was often depicted carrying a purse or money bag.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes symbol is the caduceus – a staff with two snakes intertwined around it. It represents safe passage, commerce, and trade.
The two snakes are often interpreted as representing duality or healing/knowledge, while the wings on top represent speed. While this is his most well-known symbol, Hermes also had other symbols associated with him such as the tortoise, rooster, and purse.