Mythology and Our Planets — Part I
It is fairly common knowledge that the planets in our solar system (with the notable exception of Earth) were named after figures from Roman mythology — specifically, the Olympians (with the odd Titan or primordial deity thrown in for variety). How is it that the figures that populated our pantheons came over time to inhabit our skies? This I do not claim to know; I doubt the specifics are known to anyone, given that some of these christenings happened centuries back, in the time of the Romans themselves.
The fact remains that, even beyond superficial similarities, there are some remarkable parallels between the planets and the deities they were named for. And even if they are the flimsiest, most superficial similarities, there is a certain undeniable romanticism in looking up at the sky and seeing reflected in its vast depths the enduring richness, ingenuity, and spirit of human culture.
Without further ado, then: this is the story of how and why the planets got their names. This is meant to be nothing more than a fun narrative, and I make no claims to historical (mythological?) accuracy.
- Mercury
Born to Jupiter, the king of gods, and Maia, a minor goddess, Mercury is the god of tricksters, travelers, and transporters. He is also the chosen messenger of the gods. It was to this end that Jupiter gifted Mercury with what came to be one of his most iconic, enduring symbols — a pair of winged sandals (talaria) swifter than the wind, to ensure the timely delivery of godly messages up on Olympus.
It seems natural that the ancients associated this god with the planet Mercury; it is the smallest and speediest in our Solar System, taking just 88 days to complete one revolution.
Mercury’s quickness and flighty nature survive elsewhere in words such as “mercurial.”
2. Venus
Venus the planet is wrapped, we now know, in highly reflective clouds, making it the brightest object in the night sky, after the Moon. Upon seeing this most radiant of heavenly bodies, it seems only natural that the ancients were reminded of their resident goddess of beauty.
Venus the planet, owing to a thick and heat-trapping atmosphere, also boasts the highest temperatures of any of the planets in our Solar System. Surface temperatures can reach up to 440 degrees Celsius (880 degrees Fahrenheit) — hot enough to melt lead.
Ah, Venus. Hot, then, in more ways than one. The goddess of beauty would be proud of her namesake indeed.
3. Earth
And here we come to our notable exception. Humble Earth is the only planet in our Solar System not named after a Roman or Greek deity. The name “Earth” is derived from the German and old English words for “ground” — ‘erde’ and ‘eorðe’ respectively.
Just as well, perhaps, that we chose not to name our home after the divine. The Greek/Roman mythos is littered with tales of human arrogance — those who considered themselves equal to the gods. Suffice it to say that the gods do not look kindly upon hubris.
4. Mars
One of Mars the planet’s most iconic, defining characteristics in popular culture today is it’s colour. So it was for the ancients. The planet’s striking, blood-red colour made it seem only natural that it be named after Mars, the bloodthirsty Roman god of war.
Interestingly, Mars’ two moons were named after the god’s two sons, Phobos and Deimos — both gods of fear. Phobos, in fact, is where we get the suffix -phobia.
Mars’ affinity to battlecraft and fighting survives in our martial law and arts. (The word “marital” does not have any known etymological connections to Mars.)
5. Jupiter
Mighty Jupiter, king of the gods themselves. Giant in stature, dominating the heavens; storming everywhere, thundering constantly; and, his enemies (of which he had plenty) might say, full of hot air.
Let’s break those down one by one.
Jupiter the planet is far and away the largest in the Solar System, with a mass 2.5 times that of all the other planets in the Solar System combined.
Jupiter the planet is also known for its powerful, persistent lightning-and-thunder storms, which can be known to last centuries (much like the god, who was known to tend to his grudges like little pets. Just ask Prometheus.) The planet’s famous Red Spot is a storm twice as wide as the Earth, which has been raging constantly since 1830.
Finally — coming to hot air — Jupiter the planet is quite literally a gas giant, composed predominantly of hydrogen and helium.
By Jove! The similarities are numerous and uncanny.
A fun fact is that Jupiter’s wife Juno has an equally enduring legacy. She lives on in our calendars as the month of June.
