Throughout Greek mythology, gods and mortals often cross paths and sometimes even become related through marriage or parentage. One such relationship that has been debated over the years is whether Odysseus, the legendary hero of Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey,” is related to Hermes, the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers.
There are a few different theories regarding this possible connection between Odysseus and Hermes. Some scholars believe that Hermes may have been Odysseus’ grandfather on his mother’s side.
This theory is based on the fact that Odysseus’ mother Anticleia was said to be the daughter of Autolycus, who was a son of Hermes. Therefore, if this theory is true, Hermes would have been Anticleia’s father and Odysseus’ grandfather.
Another theory suggests that Hermes may have been involved in Odysseus’ conception. This theory stems from the fact that in Book 5 of “The Odyssey,” Hermes is sent by Zeus to Calypso’s island to tell her to release Odysseus. Some scholars believe that this may be more than just a coincidence and that it could indicate a deeper relationship between Odysseus and Hermes.
However, there are also arguments against these theories. For example, some scholars point out that while Autolycus was indeed said to be a son of Hermes in some myths, he was also sometimes said to be the son of another god named Deion or even a mortal man named Amphithea. Therefore, it is not certain that Autolycus was actually related to Hermes at all.
Similarly, while it is possible that there could be some deeper significance behind Zeus sending Hermes to Calypso’s island in Book 5 of “The Odyssey,” it could also simply be a convenient plot device for Homer to move the story forward.
Overall, while there are certainly interesting connections and coincidences between Odysseus and Hermes in Greek mythology, there is no definitive evidence to suggest that they are actually related. Whether or not they are, however, both Odysseus and Hermes remain fascinating and important figures in Greek mythology to this day.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the question of whether Odysseus is related to Hermes is one that has been debated by scholars for years. While there are certainly interesting connections between the two figures in Greek mythology, there is no definitive proof of a familial relationship. Regardless, both Odysseus and Hermes continue to be important and fascinating characters in Greek mythology today.
Sources:
- Homer. The Odyssey.
- Hamilton, Edith. Mythology.
Little Brown & Company, 1942.
- Graves, Robert. The Greek Myths. Penguin Books Ltd., 1955.