Mercury and Mars, for instance

GODS

["**Hint:** \"They were worshipped in ancient Rome.\"\n\nThis hint points the solver toward the context of Roman mythology without directly naming the answer or repeating the original clue. It’s easier than the original clue but still requires the solver to make the connection to deities."]

The clue "Mercury and Mars, for instance" leads to the answer "GODS" through a straightforward example-based definition. In Roman mythology, Mercury is the god of commerce, travelers, and thievery, and Mars is the god of war. Therefore, Mercury and Mars are examples of Roman gods. The clue uses "for instance" to indicate that these are just two examples of a larger category. Hence, the answer is "GODS," which is the general term for deities like Mercury and Mars. There is no pun or complex wordplay involved; it's a direct cultural reference to Roman mythology.