![]() The planet is also known as the evening star, as it is the first to appear on the horizon after sunset because of its proximity to the sun. It travels through space at 29 miles per second (Earth only moves at 18 miles per second) and takes only 88 days to orbit the sun. It was named after the Roman god of travel and speed because of how quickly it completes its orbit. Mercury is the first planet from the sun. ![]() So, why do we have a planet named Mercury? Like all the other planets in our Solar System, including the dwarf planet Pluto but excluding Earth, Mercury too was named after a Roman deity. This is why he was revered for his role to guide spirits of the dead to the underworld. Mercury was also the only God that could easily move between the realms of the dead, the mortals, and the Gods. But perhaps his most important symbol is the caduceus, his staff with two snakes entwined around it. He sometimes carried a lyre, which he’s credited with inventing, and a money purse which highlights his association with merchants. His winged helmet, called a petasos, emphasizes his role as a traveller. ![]() ![]() Mercury’s winged sandals gave him speed and the ability to move quickly. ![]()
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