Deity Governing Commerce and Trade in Roman Mythology: Mercury
In the pantheon of Roman gods, Mercury stands out as a deity of many facets. Named after the planet and the Roman god in astronomy, Mercury was also the central figure in NASA's first manned space program, which aimed to put a man into orbit around the planet Mercury.
Mercury, in Roman mythology, is most famously known as the swift messenger of the gods, a role he inherited from the Greek god Hermes. He was often depicted with winged sandals (talaria) and a winged helmet, symbols of swiftness and the ability to move quickly between different realms.
Mercury was not a figure in early Roman religion, but he became known as the Roman counterpart of Hermes after the Romans conquered Greece. He was a patron deity of merchants, his association with luck and trickery adding a dynamic aspect to his character. His temple, built around 495 BCE near the Circus Maximus, on the southwest slope of the Aventine Hill, was a testament to his importance in Roman society.
Mercury's domain extended beyond just commerce and messages. He was also the god of financial gain, travelers, boundaries, and thieves. His temple was a place where merchants would pray for success and safety in their ventures. During the Mercuralia, a major festival dedicated to him, merchants and traders would sprinkle holy water from Mercury's sacred well near the Porta Capena on themselves and their goods for luck.
Mercury's role extended beyond earthly affairs. He played a vital role in facilitating communication between the gods and humans, as well as guiding souls to the afterlife. One of his most notable acts was saving Jupiter's lover Io from Juno by disguising Io as a cow and beheading Argus, a many-eyed deity, to escape.
Mercury's associations reached beyond the borders of Rome. In Ireland, he was associated with the Celtic god Lugus (or Lugh), who shared many attributes with Mercury, such as being a god of commerce, communication, and craftsmanship. Mercury himself was not worshiped directly in Ireland, but his functions were represented in the Celtic deity Lugus.
Mercury's influence was felt far and wide, making him a major god for the Celtic people and having a number of different epithets that connect him to the gods of other cultures. His speed and ability to facilitate the movement of goods earned him recognition as the god of trade and commerce.
Despite not having a priest in Roman religion, Mercury's impact was undeniable. His story continues to echo through history, a testament to the enduring influence of the ancient gods.
