Expert: Maria - 5/30/2008

Question
I've often wondered what the symbols on the Caduceus meant. I recently heard that the Greeks meant it as a worm and not two serpents. What do the worms/serpents and wings actually mean or represent on the Caduceus?

Answer
Hello,

Actually the Caduceus [Latin word for ancient Greek term “Kerykeion”/ “kerukeion”, derived from “kéryx”/ “kérux” meaning ‘herald’] was the herald's staff of Hermes (Mercurius, in Latin), i.e. originally  an olive-stick with garlands, which afterwards were formed into serpents, so it became  a rod of olive branch entwined by two snakes, decorated with wings at the top (see the image at the link below).

As far as I know, the ancient Greeks did not think at all  that such a winged staff, which was Hermes symbol of office as divine messenger, had two worms wrapped around it.
In fact the worms had no meaning in Greek mythology and moreover caused repulsion, while the snakes were emblematic of the magic potency of Hermes who once had found two snakes fighting and had divided them with his wand; from which circumstance the snakes  were used as an emblem of peace.

With regard to the wings in the caduceus, they meant simply the speed of Hermes as divine messenger.

Finally I have to add that there is another god whose attribute was a staff with a snake wrapped around it: this god was Asclepius( Aesculapius in Latin), the Greek god of medicine and healing.

Serpents were in fact sacred to him, because they were a symbol of renovation, and were believed to have the power of discovering healing herbs.
Today this staff still survives as the symbol of the modern medical profession.

To conclude, I really do not agree with the so-called "Worm" theory which has no support in ancient Greek mythology.

Best regards,
Maria
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http://www.pantheon.org/areas/gallery/mythology/europe/greek/caduceus.html