[Intro]
Closest to the sun
Fastest round you go
Apollo’s closest one
The first to know
[Verse 1]
Intermediary
Between gods… and me
Guide to the living and dead
(So it’s said)
[Chorus]
Closest to the sun
(Fastest round you go)
Apollo’s closest one
(The first to know)
Mercury
(The first to see)
[Bridge]
With winged sandals
You take flight
Whispering scandals
(Between day and night)
[Verse 2]
The hottest hot
(The coldest cold)
Size, not a lot
(But speed so bold)
[Chorus]
Closest to the sun
(Fastest round you go)
Apollo’s closest one
(The first to know)
Mercury
(The first to see)
[Bridge]
With winged sandals
You take flight
Whispering scandals
(Between day and night)
[Chorus]
Closest to the sun
(Fastest round you go)
Apollo’s closest one
(The first to know)
Mercury
(The first to see)
[Outro]
With winged sandals
You take flight
Whispering scandals
(Between day and night)
A SCIENCE NOTE
Facts About the Planet Mercury
- Fastest Orbit
- Mercury completes an orbit around the Sun in just 88 Earth days, making it the fastest-moving planet in our solar system.
- This swift movement parallels the speed of Mercury, the messenger god, who was known for his agility and quickness.
- Closest to the Sun
- Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, experiencing intense solar influence.
- As a deity, Mercury was also close to the Sun-god Apollo (Helios in Greek mythology), often serving as a go-between for the gods and humans.
- Extreme Conditions
- Mercury has no significant atmosphere, leading to temperatures that soar to 430°C (800°F) during the day and plummet to -180°C (-290°F) at night.
- This duality could reflect Mercury’s role as a mediator, traversing between the heavens, Earth, and the underworld, balancing extremes.
- Small Size and Cratered Surface
- Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system and is heavily cratered, much like the Moon.
- Despite its size, Mercury holds significant importance, just as the god Mercury was not one of the primary Olympians but was critical in facilitating communication and trade.
- Magnetic Field
- Mercury has a surprisingly strong magnetic field for its size, possibly linked to its molten core.
- This unseen force might symbolically align with the god Mercury’s influence in forging connections and unseen pathways.
Connection to the Mythological Mercury
- Speed and Swiftness
- Mercury’s rapid orbit reflects the god Mercury’s defining trait: speed. With winged sandals, Mercury delivered messages between gods and humans, traveling swiftly across vast realms.
- Role as a Messenger
- Mercury’s position closest to the Sun could symbolize his role as an intermediary between Apollo (the Sun god) and the mortal world, facilitating communication and enlightenment.
- God of Commerce and Travel
- Mercury, the god, oversaw trade and travel, echoing the planet’s dynamic environment as it “travels” quickly around the Sun and symbolizes movement and exchange.
- Guide of Souls
- The stark contrast in Mercury’s day and night temperatures could represent the god’s dual nature as a guide to both the living and the dead, traversing light and shadow.
- Mercurial Nature
- The term “mercurial,” derived from the god’s name, describes someone who is changeable or unpredictable, much like Mercury’s harsh and extreme conditions.
Summary
Mercury’s swift orbit, extreme environment, and unique position in the solar system align closely with the traits of the Roman god Mercury. Both are symbols of speed, adaptability, and the interplay of light and shadow, embodying dynamic and essential roles in their respective realms.