Hermes, the Greek god of commerce and messenger of the gods, is often depicted holding a staff that is known by various names. The most commonly used name for this staff is “caduceus.”
But what exactly is the caduceus and what is its significance in Greek mythology? Let’s dive in to find out.
The Caduceus: A Symbol of Hermes
The caduceus is a winged staff with two snakes wrapped around it. It is often depicted with wings at the top and sometimes includes a globe or ball between the wings. This symbol has been associated with Hermes for thousands of years and was even used by ancient Greeks as a symbol of heralds and ambassadors.
Origin Story of the Caduceus
According to Greek mythology, Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia. As soon as he was born, he showed incredible wit and cunningness. He became known as the messenger of the gods due to his ability to travel swiftly between realms.
One day while he was traveling, he came across two snakes fighting. He separated them with his staff, which caused them to stop fighting and coil around it peacefully. This act led to the creation of the caduceus, which would become one of his most recognizable symbols.
Symbolic Meanings
The caduceus has different symbolic meanings depending on its context. For example, in modern times it is often associated with medicine due to its similarity to the Rod of Asclepius (a single serpent-entwined rod wielded by Asclepius, the god of healing).
In ancient times, however, it had other meanings such as being a symbol for peace or truce-making due to how Hermes used it to stop fights between animals. It also represented commerce since Hermes was also considered a god of merchants and traders.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the staff carried by Hermes is known as the caduceus. This winged staff with two snakes wrapped around it is a symbol associated with Hermes and has various symbolic meanings including peace, commerce, and medicine. Its origins trace back to Greek mythology where it was created by Hermes after he separated two fighting snakes with his staff.