EducationHistory

The gods of trade among different nations of the world

In ancient times, the main religion was paganism, or, in a different way, polytheism. At the same time, each of the gods was responsible for a certain sphere of activity, and its power extended only within the framework of this field. In particular, it was believed that the merchants and merchants were taken under their reliable patronage by the gods of trade. These mythical creatures acted as the object of beliefs of different peoples, and each of the communities called their patron in their own way. They found their place and recognition of the gods of trade in both widely known Roman and Greek mythology, as well as in our native Slavic pantheon. Let us recall the peculiarities of each of the deities of different nations of the world.

Hermes

The god of trade among the Greeks, Hermes, according to an ancient tradition, is the son of the Maya mountain nymph. His father - no less than the god of gods and sky - himself Zeus. Born from forbidden love, the demigod began to show unprecedented resourcefulness, cunning, and agility and intellect from early childhood. In addition, the ancient Greek sources Hermes attributed to such qualities as speed and agility, which makes him the patron of messengers, a messenger of peace and war. Like all the gods of trade, Hermes helps the merchants, supplying them with the information that they so need. Over time, the Greeks changed the destiny of this demigod. Gradually, he was credited with the role of intercessor of thieves, because his grasp helps scammers see where and what is wrong, and to hide the stolen. Later, Hermes began to perform the function of the conductor of the souls of the dead in the kingdom of Hades. It was believed that this demigod patronizes the shepherds and herds and can bring dreams. He dedicated stone pillars at the gate and doors, which made him a defender of travelers.

Mercury

The analogue of Hermes in Roman mythology is Mercury. Just like in Greece, he was considered the son of the sky god, but the Romans called him the Whole. Initially, Mercury was attributed to the patronage of the grain business, but gradually he became a full-fledged advocate of trade, all shopkeepers and peddlers. Traders brought to God various sacrifices in order to propitiate him and avoid deceit from their competitors. Interesting is the fact that the fastest of the planets of the solar system got its name in honor of this fast-moving patron of "hucksters."

Velez

The God of commerce among the Slavs is known as Veles. Unlike his southern brethren, he does not have such qualities as cunning, craftiness, and wickedness. On the contrary, Veles is also proclaimed the patron of wisdom, songs and poetry. Like other gods of trade, he is in parallel the deity of agriculture, namely, animal husbandry. With the name of Veles, the Slavs associated one of the most beautiful star clusters - the Pleiades. Often in ancient sources, this god was opposed to Perun. This is the main difference between the "black" patron of pastoralists from Mercury and Hermes, because Veles is one of the main deities, while other gods of trade were generally recognized as assistants to more important representatives of the mythological pantheon.

Similar articles

 

 

 

 

Trending Now

 

 

 

 

Newest

Copyright © 2018 en.birmiss.com. Theme powered by WordPress.