Mercury represents the mind and the urge to understand and communicate. It is linked with the shoulders, arms, and nervous system (Bruce-Mitford 113).

In Greek mythology Hermes was close to the Roman god Mercury. Greeks perceived Hermes in many different lights. He was seen as the god of the twilight or of the wind. There are many speculations about Hermes and his actions, as well as controversy over his origin. However, it has become the popular consensus that "Hermes was a very ancient Pelasgian divinity, of Thracian origin, who was particularly honored by the sheperds of Arcadia and whose mission was to watch over their flocks and protect their huts". Greeks followed this belief, and placed images at or around their doors to ward off invaders and thieves. Hermes had had many other titles to the Greeks. He was the god of travelers, the god of commerce, and was also the messenger of Zeus.(Hamlyn 133-136)

Hermes is often represented as an athlete. He was depicted as wearing very little except for a winged hat and winged sandals. He was the prankster of the gods; he stole sheep on the day of his birth as a prank to Apollo. As a gift to make up for the stolen sheep from Apollo, Hermes invented the first Lyre out of a tortoise shell, oxhide and some reeds. (Lindermans "Hermes")

In Roman history, there was no need for a god of commerce. Romans believe that they were above all countrymen. This prevented them from seeing Mercury as their god of Merchants until close to the fifth century BC. It was believe for a long time that this was his only purpose. Then Plautus wrote about Mercury in his prologue to Amphitryon. Plautus shed light on Mercury's duties to the Roman population, changing the beliefs of Romans. The new Mercury was viewed in charge over messages and commerce like his Greek counterpart Hermes. (Hamlyn 220)