Are planets named after Greek Gods? Well, as ancient cosmology suggests, the names of the planets are of Roman gods.

However, there are various similarities between Roman and Greek gods. In ancient times, the Romans had been influenced by the Greek culture. Further, the Romans adopted the culture of the Greeks and later modified it according to their cultural beliefs and practices.

In this article, we will discuss the planets as well as the Roman and Greek gods from which the planets got their names.

1. The Similarity Between Roman And Greek Gods

There are many similarities between Roman and Greek gods. The gods are the same. They just have different names and rituals through different mythological traditions. 

Here are some similarities that can be seen in both Roman and Greek gods:

1.1. Shared Pantheon 

In both cultures, there is a collection of gods and goddesses. Furthermore, all the deities have specific domains, identities, and characteristics.

1.2. Parallel Roles

Both Roman and Greek gods share parallel roles. For example, both Aphrodite and Venus are attributed with love and beauty.

1.3. Cultural Borrowing

The Romans were influenced by the Greek culture. Furthermore, they adopted Greek mythology. And modified to fit them with their own culture. 

A process of syncretism that contributes to the similarities between the two pantheons.

2. The Roman And Greek Names of the Planets

Let’s discuss the Greek and Roman names of the planets. Given below are the names of the planets as Roman deities. As well as their Greek counterparts.

2.1. Mercury And Hermes

2.1.1. Planet Mercury

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun. It is a small rock planet. This small planet is closest to the sun, which results in its extreme temperatures. 

It has a caloris basin and high-impact craters. Mercury also has very swift movements in the sky. So, it got its name from the messenger of the Roman gods, Mercury.

2.1.2. Mercury

The messenger of the gods, Mercury is in Roman mythology.  To symbolize him as a messenger with his winged hat and winged sandals.

Mercury is associated with all commerce and trade-related matters. As well as he played a role in guiding the souls to their afterlife. 

Moreover, Mercury is worshipped for financial gain in Roman culture. As well as he reflects on the practical economics and welfare of Roman life. 

2.1.3. Hermes

The Hermes in Greek mythology, is also a messenger of Greek gods. The winged hat and sandals are his symbols as well. Moreover, he guides the souls to the afterlife. As well as he is a guardian who presides between the boundaries of the mortal and divine realm. 

Furthermore, his attributes are travel and transactions. Moreover, cleverness and mischievous nature are his key characteristics. 

Hermes was worshipped for rituals related to commerce and trade in Greek culture. He influenced ancient Greek life towards communication and commerce. 

2.2. Venus And Aphrodite

2.2.1. Planet Venus

The sister planet of Earth is Venus. Because of its similar size to Earth. Furthermore, Venus has a toxic climate. And it contains a lot of heat and extreme pressure. 

The planet Venus has a bright impression on the sky. So, it got its name from the Roman goddess of beauty, Venus.

2.2.2. Venus

In Roman culture, Prince Paris was awarded the Goddess of beauty and love before the Trojan War. Venus is the goddess of love and desire in Roman culture. 

Furthermore, she spread influence on aspects of desire, passion and seduction. As well as she represents the ideal physical beauty and love. 

Furthermore, Venus is worshipped in Roman culture. As she has a significant influence on art and literature. 

2.2.3. Aphrodite

In Greek mythology, the symbol of beauty is Aphrodite. She is associated as the goddess of love and beauty. She has doves, roses and myrtles as her symbols. 

Furthermore, she also associated with the significant influence of art and creations. As well as her influence extends to physical beauty and sexual attraction. 

Moreover, she is worshipped for all the matters related to marriage, love and fertility.

2.3. Mars And Ares

2.3.1. Planet Mars

The red planet Mars is the fourth planet in our solar system. As well as it is home to the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons. A thin atmosphere surrounds Mars. Due to the excess presence of Ferric oxide in Martian soil, it appears red. The reddish representation resembles blood. It got its name from the Roman God of war, Mars

2.3.2. Mars

The deity of war is Mars in Roman mythology. Shield and spear are his weapons to fight in war. As well as discipline and bravery are his main characteristic. 

Furthermore, Mars is the father of many legendary founders of ancient Rome. He influenced the Roman military ideas and leadership. Moreover, there are various Roman scriptures like him.

Mars is also a part of various rituals and festivities in Roman culture. A disciplined warrior and a leader are his key characteristics. As well as Mars is also represented as the guardian of the Roman state in Roman culture.

2.3.3. Ares

In Greek mythology, Ares is the God of warfare. His helmet and weapons are his main symbols. Ares is a God of war and conflict. 

Whereas Mars is a disciplined leader. Ares is more impulsive and less disciplined. 

In Greek mythology, Ares doesn’t have a significant influence. Because he is known for his furious and destructive warfare techniques. 

Furthermore, the Greek God Ares holds the brutality of war. Greek literature has expressed this.  Moreover, he is brutal and frightened in contrast to other war Greek gods like Athena.

2.4. Jupiter And Zeus

2.4.1. Planet Jupiter

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. Due to its dominance in the celestial system, it got the name of the Roman King of gods, Jupiter. 

Further, Jupiter is a huge gas giant of helium and hydrogen. And dozens of moons. 

2.4.2. Jupiter

In Roman mythology, Jupiter is the king of gods. He looks like a mature bearded God. Who holds a thunderbolt in his hands. Moreover, this implies that he is the controller of the skies and storms. 

Furthermore, the guardian of the state is Jupiter. And his purpose is to maintain law and order in the state. 

Moreover, Jupiter plays a central role in Roman culture. Further, the Roman Republic has a temple dedicated to him.  “Jupiter Optimus Maximus” is the name of the temple.

As well as he influenced the art and literature of the Romans a lot. 

2.4.3. Zeus

In Greek mythology, Zeus is known as the King of Greek Gods. He is a bearded God with a thunderbolt in his hands. The eagle and bull are his sacred animals. 

Furthermore, Zeus is the ruler of Mount Olympus. A well as he also serves as the God of justice and protection. 

Zeus plays a central role in Greek culture and literature. Moreover, he influenced art, literature and municipal lifestyle. Furthermore, the Olympic games were held in Zeus’s honour.

The word Olympian is used to describe someone with great power. 

2.5. Saturn And Cronus

2.5.1. Planet Saturn

Saturn is like a gas giant like Jupiter. It is popular for its beautiful ring system. The rings of Saturn are composed of ice and rock or particles. Due to its distinctive ring system, Saturn got its name from the Roman God of harvest. 

2.5.2. Saturn 

In Roman mythology, Saturn is a god of harvest and time. He has a sickle in his hands. As well as an hourglass can be seen in his hands.

Furthermore, Saturn associated with the golden age and abundance. He is the Roman God of agriculture. 

Moreover, in ancient Rome, the Saturnalia festival was celebrated in honour of Saturn. In the modern world, the image of Saturn with a sickle and other elements of Saturnalia has influenced the holiday season.  

2.5.3. Cronus

In Greek mythology, Cronus is the powerful Titan. He is the God of time and age. Sometimes he is holding a scythe in his hands. 

Furthermore, Cronus has castrated his father Uranus. This event resulted in the rise of Cronus. Moreover, he is responsible for the maintenance of cosmic order. 

Cronus is also the father of Zeus. He plays a significant role. There is a myth that Cronus served as the allegory for generational succession. 

Moreover, the God of harvest, Saturn is worshipped. And Cronus is a powerful Titan. He does not have a significant role with the Greek gods. 

2.6. Uranus And Ouranos

2.6.1. Planet Uranus

The Uranus is a greenish-blue ice giant in our solar system. It rotates on its side. Uranus has a unique rotation routine among other planets. In the modern era, Uranus was discovered. The tradition of keeping the name and gods continued.

2.6.2. Uranus

In Roman mythology, there are no specific symbols for Uranus. He is the personification of the vast sky himself. Moreover, there is a relation between Uranus and the celestial realm. Uranus is the God of the sky and heavens. 

Furthermore, Uranus is not an individualized God figure. As well as in the Roman culture, Uranus was not highly worshipped. However, Uranus played a major role in cosmogony.

Moreover, Uranus was discovered in the modern era. The tradition of assigning names to deities in the ancient era continued. Further, Uranus planet got its name.

2.6.3. Ouranos

In Greek mythology, Ouranos is the dome of heaven. A personification of the sky. He doesn’t have any specific symbols or attributes. 

Ouranos is one of the earliest Greek gods in Greek mythology. So, he plays a prominent role in Greek cosmogony. He is also the significant myth for the creation of Titans and other gods. Ouranos became a huge influence on various works of art and literature. As well as he became a great influence on philosophy. 

2.7. Neptune And Poseidon 

2.7.1. Planet Neptune

The Neptune is another deep blue ice giant. It has its extreme cold winds and storms. Due to its appearance like the deep blue sea, it got its name from the Roman God of sea, Neptune. As well as the moon named Triton. 

2.7.2. Neptune

In Roman mythology, Neptune is the God of the sea. Neptune is a mature bearded God holding a trident in his hands. Also, he has been accompanied by dolphins and other sea creatures. 

Moreover, Neptune has a relationship with the disasters and storms in the sea. He is a powerful and respected deity in Roman culture. 

Furthermore, the sailors and fishermen worship Neptune. To get safe sea journeys. The temples of Neptune are built on the seashores. Moreover, he has the greatest influence on art and literature. As well as Neptune is also a significant maritime symbol in Roman culture. 

2.7.3. Poseidon

In Greek mythology, Poseidon is the God of the sea. His attribution is wider than the Neptune. Poseidon is related with the deep blue sea, earthquakes and horses. As well as he appears with sea creatures such as dolphins and hippocamps. 

Furthermore, Poseidon is one of the major Olympian Greek gods. And plays a central role in Greek mythology. The sailors also worship him for their safe voyage. And also by those who seek his support. 

Furthermore, Poseidon has influenced the Western world. His trident became the iconic symbol in Western mythology.

3. Conclusion

The names of the planets are after Roman deities. As well as the names have their Greek counterparts.

There are seven planets in our solar system besides our Earth. All these planets have gotten their name from Roman mythology. Because the planets share the physical quality with the Roman gods. Moreover, Roman cosmologists have assigned names to the planets.

However, the Greek culture has influenced the Roman culture. Further, all the planet names have their Greek counterparts.

Both Roman and Greek mythology have various similarities with different names. Just the stories and myths are modified according to the regional beliefs.

Last Updated on December 19, 2023 by soubhik