Hermes Vs Mercury

Messenger for the gods, Trickster, benefactor of mortals, the ancient Greek and Roman gods Hermes and Mercury have many names. Both were well known deities in their time, and both were also important to Greek and Roman way of life. They are very similar gods, though their the cultures in which they originated came from different times and different customs. This blog will explain the differences and similarities and how these mighty gods were made.

                                 HERMES Vs MERCURY

                                                                    By Zhiyuan Ye

The Greek god Hermes originated as one of the twelve major Hellenistic deities (Greek Pantheon) that became so popular in Athens and the lands around it during the Golden age of philosophy and science. Some key players in this time included Aristotle, who advocated the gods. Hellenism eventually spread all over the Greek peninsular and it's many colonies, some of which were located in close proximity to the young city of Rome. The cult of Hermes rose as well. He was known as the  patron to thieves, athletes and travelers as well as border crossing both literally and figuratively. Depicted in statues, busts and mosaics of the period with the perfect masculine body, typical of artists at the time. See as a young man with winged helmet an winged boots representing his speed ability, it became somewhat his symbol. He also holds a staff two, twisting snakes coiled around a winged pole, which can also be seen in the modern times. Hermes' powers and abilities were typical of the Olympians, superhuman speed, strength and stamina, and immortal, he was involved in many comtemporary myths and legends in ancient Greek.

The surprising rise of Rome and the invasion of Greece spelled an end to original Hellenism. But the Romans were a godless people and when they needed saviors and heroes, they looked gods. Thus the Roman Pantheon adapted the Greek Olympians and their minor gods. Pretty much, they were the same Gods with different names. And so what was once Hermes, became Mercury, god of shopkeepers, merchants and travelers. Who had the same body, same symbol and staff. The cult of mercury began with the construction of his temple on one of the major hills of Rome. He was honored every year in the festival of mercuralia on May 15th. Artists burrowed heavily from Hermes as Romans admired the Greeks as their equals. Mercury could travel swiftly
 and a master of thieves. He was as well admired as Hermes in his day.

All in all, these gods had lots of influence and will continue to do so thanks to the endearing legends of the Greek and Romans. Hermes and Mercury out.