When one hears the word Mercury they think of the beautiful red planet neighbored to Earth in the galaxy, but did you know that the planet is named after the Greek God, Hermes. The Romans named the planets after the most important gods so the fastest planet was named after the fastest god. Hermes, also known as Mercury, is the son of Zeus and nymph Maia. He is the god of commerce, athletes, trickery and inventions and is known for numerous talents and being apart of multiple greek stories. Hermes was a very helpful god who was known for his thieving, and his speed. Hermes was a lovable god who had many lovers but never a wife, since he was able to travel between the worlds he had several mortal and non-mortal children including Pan, half goat half god. He was always seen with his caduceus (staff, entwined by snakes, wings on top, used to charm) and is known for his youthful, athletic appearance. …show more content…
After a few hours of Hermes birth he wandered off out of his crib and stole cattle from his half brother Apollo, the god would have been furious at anyone else touching his cows but was delighted after Hermes sweet talked his way out of trouble and made him a new instrument out of his cow. “At first Hermes denied that he had done anything of the kind; and he talked so fast and so well, in defending himself, that all the gods were amused and delighted.” This is why Hermes is considered the god of thieves and trickery, he was a master of persuasion and could get out of anything. Zeus was not pleased with his stealing ways so Hermes promised he would stop if he let him become the messenger