1.7: Caduceus

Classical Mythology Unbound · LibreTexts

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    From LibreTexts, under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, as the source states it; its equations are written in TeX, which the PDF shows typeset. This page at LibreTexts.

    The caduceus (kerykeion in Greek) was herald’s staff with two snakes wound around it. It was carried by Hermes to signify his role as messenger and as guide for souls to the Underworld. Hermes can sometimes use the caduceus as a way to channel the power he has, such as waking or putting mortals to sleep [Homer, Iliad, 24.343-345]. It should be carefully distinguished from the rod of Asclepius, which had only one snake, which Asclepius used in healing.

    This page titled 1.7: Caduceus was last modified on Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:52:21 GMT and is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jessica Mellenthin and Susan O. Shapiro via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.