Hermes is one of the most fascinating deities in Greek mythology. Also known as Mercury in Roman mythology, he was the god of commerce, trade, and messenger of the gods.
He was usually depicted wearing a winged cap and sandals, holding a caduceus – a staff with two entwined snakes – in his hand. But which planet represents Hermes? Let’s find out.
Mythological background
In Greek mythology, each deity was associated with a celestial body. For instance, Aphrodite was linked to the planet Venus, Ares to Mars, and Zeus to Jupiter. However, Hermes didn’t have a planet that represented him until much later.
It wasn’t until the 17th century that astronomers discovered a celestial body that moved faster than any other planet they knew at the time. They named it Mercury after the Roman equivalent of Hermes because of its fast movement – just like how Hermes was known for his quickness.
The planet Mercury
Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system and orbits closest to the sun. Its speedy orbit around the sun takes only 88 Earth days. It also rotates slowly on its axis, so one day on Mercury lasts about 176 Earth days.
Mercury’s surface is similar to our moon’s surface – rocky and heavily cratered. It has no atmosphere to speak of but has ice deposits at its poles.
Hermes as a symbol
Hermes represented many things in Greek mythology: commerce, trade, thieves, travelers, and even diplomacy. As such, he became an important symbol for ancient Greeks who valued these things greatly.
In modern times, we still use some symbols associated with Hermes without even realizing it. For example:
- The caduceus – a symbol used by medical professionals – is derived from Hermes’ staff.
- The winged sandals that Hermes wore have become a symbol of speed and agility.
- The term “hermeneutics” – the study of interpreting texts – is derived from Hermes, who was also known as the god of interpretation.
Conclusion
While Hermes didn’t have a planet named after him in ancient times, the discovery of Mercury in the 17th century gave us a celestial body to associate with this fascinating Greek deity. From his quickness to his symbols, Hermes has had a lasting impact on our culture and language.