# Mercury — Bulfinch’s Mythology character guide

> Mercury in Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mercury ( Merˈcu - ry )

**First appearance:** 0005-roman-divinities

## Who they are

Messenger of the gods, god of travelers, thieves, and commerce.

## In the story

### [IV: Juno and Her Rivals, Io and Callisto—Diana and Actaeon—Latona and the Rustics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/iv-juno-and-her-rivals-io-and-callisto-diana-and-actaeon-latona-and-the-rustics)

Messenger of the gods, sent by Jupiter to lull Argus to sleep and slay him, freeing Io.

### [Midas—Baucis and Philemon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/vi-midas-baucis-and-philemon)

Accompanies Jupiter in disguise without his wings; participates in the hospitality test.

### [Baucis and Philemon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/baucis-and-philemon)

Accompanies Jupiter in human form, without his wings, seeking shelter.

### [Cupid and Psyche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xi-cupid-and-psyche)

Messenger god sent by Jupiter to bring Psyche to the heavenly assembly.

### [XV: The Graeae or Gray-Maids—Perseus—Medusa—Atlas—Andromeda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xv-the-graeae-or-gray-maids-perseus-medusa-atlas-andromeda)

God who lends Perseus his winged shoes for the quest.

### [Perseus and Medusa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/perseus-and-medusa)

Lends his winged shoes to Perseus.

### [Orpheus and Eurydice—Aristaeus—Amphion—Linus—Thamyris—Marsyas—Melampus—Musaeus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxiv-orpheus-and-eurydice-aristaeus-amphion-linus-thamyris-marsyas-melampus-musaeus)

Gives Amphion a lyre and teaches him to play.

### [Amphion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/amphion)

Gives Amphion a lyre and teaches him to play.

### [The Laestrygonians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-laestrygonians)

Provides Ulysses with the plant Moly and instructs him on how to overcome Circe's sorcery.

### [Calypso](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/calypso)

Delivers Jove's command to Calypso in her grotto.

### [The Phaeacians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-phaeacians)

Worshipped by the Phaeacian chiefs during their evening libation.

### [Dido](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/dido)

Messenger of the gods; dispatched by Jupiter to command Aeneas to resume his voyage.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/mercury
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters