Wōdnesdæg | Latin, the day was called "dies Mercurii,"

Etymology

• Root: The word "Wednesday" comes from Old English "Wōdnesdæg," which translates to "Woden's day."
• Components:
• Wōden: This is the Old English name for the god Odin (Wotan), a major deity in Germanic mythology.
• dæg: This Old English word means "day."

History

• Old English: The term "Wōdnesdæg" was used in the early medieval period, reflecting the influence of both pagan beliefs and the Christian calendar.
• Influence of Latin and Norse: The association of the day with Woden aligns with similar naming conventions in other Germanic languages. For instance, in Latin, the day was called "dies Mercurii," referring to Mercury, the Roman god.

Gods Associated with Wednesday

1. Woden (Odin):

   • In Germanic mythology, Woden is the god of wisdom, war, and poetry. He is often depicted as a wanderer and a seeker of knowledge, embodying the qualities of a messenger.

2. Mercury:

• In Roman mythology, Mercury is the messenger of the gods, associated with commerce, communication, and travel. His swift nature aligns with the attributes of Woden.

Cross-Cultural Connections

• Norse Influence: The Norse mythology directly influenced the naming of the days of the week in English, where many days were named after gods and celestial bodies.
• Similar Names in Other Languages: In other Germanic languages, Wednesday is similarly named after Woden. For example:
  • German: "Mittwoch" (meaning "mid-week")
  • Scandinavian languages also have variations relating to Odin/Woden.

Wednesday's name is a testament to the blending of ancient beliefs and linguistic evolution, linking the day to the powerful figures of Woden and Mercury, each embodying attributes of communication, wisdom, and transition.

Wotan (Odin)

• Origin: The name "Wotan" comes from Old High German "Wuotan," which is derived from the Proto-Germanic *Wōdanaz. Wotan is known as a god of war, wisdom, and poetry in Germanic mythology.
• Association: Wotan is often linked to the planet Mercury due to his attributes as a swift messenger and a deity of knowledge and cunning. This connection is reinforced by his role in guiding souls and his association with transitions.

Mercury (Latin)

• Origin: The name "Mercurius" comes from the Latin word "merx," meaning "merchandise," reflecting Mercury's role as the god of commerce, communication, and travel.
• Association: In Roman mythology, Mercury is the messenger of the gods, similar to Hermes in Greek mythology, and is associated with speed and agility, which aligns with the swift nature of the planet Mercury.

Mercury, the Roman god, is rich in myths and stories that highlight his roles as a messenger, trickster, and guide. 

Mercury was born to Jupiter (Zeus in Greek mythology) and Maia, one of the Pleiades. Even as an infant, he showed remarkable intelligence and cunning. One famous story recounts how, shortly after his birth, he escaped his cradle and stole Apollo's cattle, cleverly disguising their tracks. To avoid being caught after stealing Apollo’s cattle, Mercury invented the lyre from a turtle shell and offered it to Apollo as a gift. Apollo, impressed by Mercury's cleverness and musical talent, forgave him and even made him the god of herds and flocks. As the messenger of the gods, Mercury was responsible for delivering messages between the divine and human realms. He often intervened in various myths, guiding souls to the underworld and aiding heroes in their quests.

In the myth of Io, Mercury was sent by Jupiter to rescue Io, a priestess turned into a cow to hide her from Juno. Mercury lulled Argus, the hundred-eyed giant guarding Io, to sleep and then killed him, allowing Io to escape. Mercury is often portrayed as a trickster, using his wits to outsmart other gods and mortals. His cleverness is evident in various tales, where he employs deception to achieve his goals. In some myths, Mercury descends into the underworld to retrieve souls for the living or to deliver messages from the gods to the dead, showcasing his versatile role in both the divine and mortal worlds.

These stories illustrate Mercury's multifaceted character, embodying aspects of intelligence, cunning, and the connection between different realms.

SYMBOLISM

Mercury | symbols | mythology

Caduceus

The caduceus, a staff entwined with two serpents, is one of Mercury's most recognized symbols. It represents commerce, negotiation, and balance, and is often mistakenly associated with medicine.

Winged Sandals

Mercury is frequently depicted wearing winged sandals (talaria), symbolizing his speed and ability to travel swiftly between the realms of gods and mortals.

Winged Helmet

His winged helmet also signifies his role as the messenger of the gods, allowing him to traverse the heavens and earth rapidly.

Tortoise

The tortoise is linked to the myth of Mercury creating the lyre from its shell, representing his creativity and ingenuity.

Rooster

The rooster symbolizes vigilance and is sometimes associated with Mercury, reflecting his role as a herald and messenger.

Coins and Wealth

As the god of commerce, Mercury is often associated with money and trade, symbolizing prosperity and financial transactions.

Books and Scrolls

These represent knowledge, communication, and learning, highlighting his role in facilitating messages and information exchange.

These symbols collectively embody Mercury's complex nature as a messenger, trickster, and guide, reinforcing his significance in Roman mythology.

The Lyre

Quicksilver (Mercury)

The Wand

The Ankh

The Owl

The Scales

Many cultures have deities that share similarities with Mercury, particularly in their roles as messengers, guides, or gods of commerce and communication. Here are some notable examples:

Hermes (Greek)

Hermes is the Greek counterpart to Mercury. He serves as the messenger of the gods, a guide to the underworld, and is associated with commerce, thieves, and travelers. Like Mercury, he is depicted with winged sandals and a caduceus.

Thoth (Egyptian)

Thoth is the Egyptian god of writing, knowledge, and communication. He is often depicted as a ibis or a baboon and is considered a mediator who facilitates communication between gods and humans, similar to Mercury's role.

Odin (Norse)

Odin, the chief god in Norse mythology, is associated with wisdom, poetry, and knowledge. He often acts as a messenger and guide, particularly in his quest for understanding and communication with other realms.

Coyote (Native American)

In many Native American traditions, Coyote is a trickster figure and a messenger. He embodies cunning and intelligence, often facilitating communication and change, akin to Mercury's trickster aspect.

Ganesha (Hindu)

Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of beginnings, is also associated with communication and intellect. He is revered as a patron of arts and sciences, connecting him to Mercury's attributes.

Janus (Roman)

Though not a direct counterpart, Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, transitions, and gates, shares attributes of communication and change. He is often depicted with two faces, symbolizing his ability to see both the past and the future.

Eris (Greek)

Eris, the goddess of strife and discord, can be seen as a counterpart in certain contexts where communication leads to conflict or resolution, illustrating a different aspect of the messenger role

Loki (Norse)

Loki is a prominent trickster in Norse mythology, known for his shape-shifting abilities and cunning schemes. He often causes trouble for the other gods but also aids them in various ways.

Anansi (African)

Anansi is a spider god in West African folklore, known for his cleverness and trickery. He often outsmarts larger and more powerful creatures, teaching moral lessons through his stories.

Raven (Native American)

In many Native American cultures, particularly among the Northwest Coast tribes, Raven is a trickster and creator figure. He is known for his cleverness and ability to transform, often playing tricks that lead to significant changes.

Kukulkan (Mesoamerican)

In some interpretations, Kukulkan, the feathered serpent god of the Maya, embodies trickster qualities, particularly in creation myths where he uses cunning to shape the world.

Puck (English Folklore)

Puck, also known as Robin Goodfellow, is a mischievous fairy from English folklore. He is known for playing tricks on humans and causing chaos, similar to the roles of other trickster figures.