Hermes / Mercury by Giambologna
Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art
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Hermes (Roman: Mercury) is best known as the messenger god who carried messages or who did errands for the other gods, but the ancient Greeks also regarded him as the god of commerce and trading - not to mention the god of thieves, as well. At various points and times he was further revered as the god of travelers, travelling in general, shepherds, cunning, and athletics. The product of a secret affair between Zeus and the nymph Maia, he was born in a cave on Mt. Cyllene - thus the epithet Hermes Cylleneius.
The sculpture of Mercury (Hermes) by Giambologna is one of his most famous and is familiar to people all over the world. It depicts Hermes standing on a column of air coming from the mouth of Zephyr, creating an illusion of floating.
Many people believe that the modern medical symbol, a staff with two coiled snakes, is derived from the staff of Asklepios - but that is incorrect. In fact that modern symbol is derived from the caduceus (magical wand) of Hermes, a short stick or staff with two snakes coiled around it. The reason for this may be due to Hermes' link with alchemy - alchemists were, at one time, referred to as the Sons of Hermes and alchemy blended in with early medical practice. One of the epithets of Hermes was Hermes Trismegistus, combining Hermes and Thoth (his Egyptian analog).
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