Roman mythology is the body of traditional stories pertaining to ancient Rome's legendary origins and religious system, as represented in the literature and visual arts of the Romans.
The Romans usually treated their traditional narratives as histor...
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Mercury (Hermes), was the son of Jupiter and Maia. He presided over commerce, wrestling and other gymnastic exercises He was also the god of thieves and everything which required skill and dexterity. He was the messenger of Jupiter, and wore a winged cap and winged shoes. He bore in his hand a rod, or magic wand, entwined with two serpents, called the Caduceus. This Roman god is said to have invented the lyre. Four hours after his birth he found the shell of a tortoise, made holes in the opposite edges of it, and drew cords of linen through them making the musical instrument was complete. There were nine cords in honor of the nine Muses. He gave the lyre to Apollo and received from him in exchange for the magic wand, the caduceus.
Mercury had many talents. He could fly faster than most of the other gods, partly because of his winged sandals. He was also trustworthy. He was playful enough to be interesting. He was very bright and very loyal. He was the best negotiator in the world. He was always cracking deals to get himself and others out of trouble.
Unlike his half-brother, Ares, the god of war, whom almost none of the other gods liked very much, Mercury was very popular in the ancient heavenly world. Even Ares trusted him. For that matter, even Jupiter trusted him. Jupiter was always sending his youngest son, Mercury, off to fix some problem or other. And Mercury almost always did.
Facts about Mercury
A major deity and one of the 12 Olympian Gods
Jurisdiction: Mercury was described as being the Roman God of Finance, gymnasts, thieves merchants and commerce and the Messenger of the Gods
Mythology: Mythical Family Tree or Relatives: He was believed to be the Messenger of the Gods. Mercury was the son of Jupiter and of Maia who was the daughter of the Titan Atlas. The month of May was named after his mother Maia
Depiction / Description / Symbol: winged sandals, a winged hat and carried a magic wand.
Name of equivalent Greek God: Hermes
Matralia was the "Festival of Mercury" and celebrated during the summer
Roman gods
