THE ONLY THING THAT RELATES THE GOD OF MERCURY TO ALL MOTORCYCLE RIDERS IS HIS HELMET. Well, that may be a stretch. (Not all bikers wear helmets). But it’s probably closer to a truth than any whimsy that depicts all motorcycle riders as coming from Mercury. Sure, of all the major ancient Roman Gods, Mercury is the one noted for speed. But not ALL motorcycle riders are fast.
Some bikers never were inspired by the notion of taming a two-wheeled missile. And others who have been charmed by that wayward path may evolve into somewhat of a reformed motorcycle maniac in their elder years. (I would count myself in the latter, with an emphasis on the “somewhat” part of “reformed.”)
Men Are From Mars…
I never read the book Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus, but I understand it was an attempt to reconcile differences between men and women by likening them as creatures from different planets, further idealized by classical Roman Gods.
Now, I’m no expert on Roman mythology. But if the differences between men and women can be characterized as from separate planets, I would say it’s fair to state that motorcyclists are not from the same planet as non-riders.
I mean how can you even describe motorcycle riding to a non-rider? Earth languages do not allow an adequate conveyance of the concept.
Regardless of the difference between motorcyclists and non-riders, my education lacks in naming a Roman God that adequately looks over riders. (On the other hand, my familiarity with Roman mythological Gods does not extend much more beyond the ones mentioned in this article).
Mercury in Mythology
Let’s consider a definition: “Mercury was a messenger, and a god of trade, profit and commerce.” Furthermore, “The word mercurial is commonly used to refer to something or someone erratic, volatile or unstable, derived from Mercury’s swift flights from place to place.” (From Wikipedia).
Irrespective of the “swift” part, and ignoring that I’ve known a small percentage of riders who could be characterized as “erratic, volatile or unstable,” (I’ve probably been called that more than once when I used to collect motorbike speeding tickets as a hobby), the definition fails to portray a majority of motorcyclists.
Hence, if riders are from a different planet than our fellow earthlings, I do not believe we have identified the correct one.
I mean what kind of other planet would spawn creatures who find solace and relaxation in an endeavor that anyone else would consider abundantly dangerous?
On the other hand, if we consider that Mercury is also “A planet god known for his intelligence,” that might be an apt depiction of the collective wisdom contributed throughout this blog by its readers.
(Consider this post as testament to the occasional eccentricities that surface on this site….)
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