Mercury

Mercury is a significant god in Roman religion and mythology, one of the 12 Dii Consentes within the ancient Roman pantheon. He is associated with financial gain, commerce, eloquence, messages, communication, travelers, boundaries, luck, trickery, and thieves. Mercury also serves as the guide of souls to the underworld and the "messenger of the gods." Born to Maia and Jupiter, he is often depicted holding the caduceus in his left hand. Similar to his Greek equivalent Hermes, Mercury was awarded a magic wand by Apollo, which later turned into the caduceus, a staff with intertwined snakes. Mercury's day is Wednesday (dies Mercurii).
The name "Mercury" may be related to Latin words merx, mercari, and merces, as well as the Proto-Indo-European root merĝ- meaning "boundary" and Greek oὖρoς, meaning "keeper of boundaries," referring to the bridge between the upper and lower worlds.
The Romans interpreted Celtic and Germanic gods as local manifestations or aspects of their own gods, a cultural trait called interpretatio romana. Mercury, the most popular god in Britain and Gaul, was equated with the Celtic god Lugus, often accompanied by the Celtic goddess Rosmerta. Lugus, originally a deity of light or the sun, was more comparable to Mercury due to his importance as a god of trade. Apollo was equated with the Celtic deity Belenus. Romans associated Mercury with the Germanic god Wotan, identifying him as the chief god of the Germanic peoples. This association is seen in the English language day-name Wednesday and the French Mercredi.
== History ==
Mercury, a god of commerce, was not a part of early Roman religion but was integrated into Greek religion during the Roman Republic. His cult was also influenced by Etruscan religion, where Turms had similar characteristics. Mercury resembled Hermes, wearing winged shows and a winged hat, and carring the caduceus, a herald's staff with two snakes.
He was often accompanied by a rooster, a ram or goat, and a tortoise, symbolizing fertility. Mercury was also a god of thievery. Mercury was also considered a god of abundance and commercial success, particularly in Gaul. He was also the Romans' psychopomp, leading newly deceased souls to the afterlife. Archeological evidence from Pompeii suggests that Mercury was one of the most popular Roman gods.
Category:God
Category:Roman Pantheon
Category:Religion