Is Hermes the Narrator in Hadestown?

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Have you ever wondered who the narrator in Hadestown is? Some fans speculate that it could be none other than Hermes, the messenger of the gods. Let’s explore this theory and see if there’s any evidence to support it.

Who is Hermes?

In Greek mythology, Hermes is known as the messenger of the gods. He’s often depicted wearing winged sandals and a winged cap, carrying a caduceus (a staff with two snakes wrapped around it). He’s also associated with travelers, thieves, and commerce.

In Hadestown, Hermes serves as a guide for Orpheus on his journey to the underworld to rescue his lover Eurydice. He also narrates the story and provides commentary on the events that unfold.

The Evidence

So, what makes people think that Hermes is the narrator? Here are some clues:

  • His role as guide: As mentioned earlier, Hermes guides Orpheus on his journey. This puts him in a position to know all the details of Orpheus’ quest and makes him a logical choice for a narrator.
  • His knowledge of events: Throughout the show, Hermes drops hints about what’s going to happen or explains why certain things are happening. For example, he tells us about Hades’ plan to keep Eurydice in the underworld (“When you’re down here with us / You’ll never rise again”). This suggests that he has insider knowledge of what’s going on.
  • Breaking the fourth wall: In theater, breaking the fourth wall means acknowledging that you’re in a play or performance.

    Hermes does this several times throughout Hadestown. For example, at one point he says “I’m telling you this ’cause you gotta know / You gotta be ready to go / When the whistle blows.” This kind of direct address to the audience is a hallmark of a narrator.

Counterarguments

Of course, not everyone agrees that Hermes is the narrator. Some argue that:

  • Hades could be the narrator: After all, he’s the lord of the underworld and has a lot of power over what happens there. Plus, he sings several songs that provide insight into his character and motivations.
  • The Fates could be the narrators: These three goddesses appear throughout the show and are responsible for weaving the threads of fate. They have a lot of knowledge about what’s going to happen and could easily provide commentary on events as they unfold.

Conclusion

While it’s impossible to say for sure who the narrator in Hadestown is, there’s definitely a strong case to be made for Hermes. His role as guide, insider knowledge, and direct address to the audience all point to him being a likely candidate.

But ultimately, whether or not Hermes is the narrator doesn’t really matter. What’s important is how his character adds depth and complexity to an already rich story.

10 Related Question Answers Found

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