talaria
Noun 1. Winged sandals: In classical mythology, talaria are a pair of sandals or shoes fitted with wings, enabling the wearer to fly. They are most famously depicted as being worn by the god Hermes (Mercury in Roman mythology).
The word "talaria" is used almost exclusively in the context of classical art, literature, and mythology to describe the specific winged footwear of Hermes/Mercury. It is a plural noun (the singular is rarely used: talarion or talarium). * In art, the talaria are a key attribute identifying the god Hermes. * In literature, they symbolize speed, travel, and divine messenger status.
- The statue of Hermes was easily identified by his talaria and caduceus.
- In the myth, Hermes donned his talaria to swiftly deliver Zeus's message.
- The painting depicted Mercury, his talaria fluttering, in mid-flight.
- The concept of talaria is sometimes used metaphorically in modern English to describe something that provides extreme speed or agility, though this is a literary and rare usage.
- The new engine gave the car the talaria of a Greek god.
- Talarion / Talarium (n): The rare singular form of "talaria."
- Caduceus (n): The winged staff carried by Hermes/Mercury, another of his primary attributes.
- Petalon (n): A Greek word for wing; the wings on talaria are sometimes referred to as (wings).
- Winged sandals: A direct descriptive synonym.
- Winged shoes: A less specific but synonymous phrase.
"Talaria" refers specifically to the mythological artifact. It is not a general term for any winged shoe or fast footwear in modern contexts (e.g., running shoes or sneakers are not called talaria). Its meaning is fixed within the domain of Greco-Roman myth.
- a winged sandal (as worn by Hermes in Graeco-Roman art)