The Greek god Hermes plays a significant role in Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey. As the son of Zeus and Maia, Hermes serves as the messenger of the gods and is often depicted with winged sandals and a caduceus staff.
Throughout the Odyssey, Hermes appears several times to aid or hinder Odysseus on his journey home. Let’s take a closer look at what Hermes did in the Odyssey.
Hermes’ first appearance
In Book V, Hermes is sent by Zeus to rescue Odysseus from Calypso’s island. Calypso had been holding Odysseus captive for seven years, but Zeus had decided that it was time for him to return home to his wife Penelope. Hermes delivers this message to Calypso:
“Zeus commands you to send forthwith this wayfaring man, since it is not his fate to perish here far from his own people; rather he is destined to see again his high-roofed house and native land.”
Calypso reluctantly releases Odysseus, and Hermes helps him prepare for his journey by providing him with instructions on how to build a raft.
Hermes gives Odysseus advice
In Book X, after Odysseus and his men arrive on the island of Aeolus, the god of winds gives them a bag containing all the winds except for the west wind. However, while they are within sight of Ithaca, Odysseus’ men open up the bag in curiosity, causing all of their progress towards home to be undone.
Odysseus returns to Aeolus’ island seeking assistance once again. However, Aeolus refuses to help him further after discovering that he has angered the gods. It is at this point that Hermes appears once again to offer advice:
“..if you could only keep your own counsel, you would find a way to get home; for you are a clever man on whom the gods have bestowed some good gifts, but Fate has thrown you among a race of scoundrels.”
Hermes then tells Odysseus to go to the island of Circe, where he will be able to learn how to overcome the obstacles he has faced.
Hermes gives Odysseus a magical plant
In Book X, after arriving on Circe’s island, Odysseus’ men are turned into swine by the sorceress. However, with Hermes’ help, Odysseus is able to resist her magic and force her to turn his men back into humans.
Circe then invites Odysseus and his men to stay with her for a year. Before they leave, Hermes gives Odysseus a magical plant called moly that will protect him from Circe’s magic when she tries to harm him again.
Hermes helps Odysseus communicate with the dead
In Book XI, Odysseus travels to the underworld in order to consult with the prophet Tiresias. However, he must first perform a series of rituals and sacrifices in order to be granted an audience with the dead.
Hermes appears during this process and helps guide Odysseus through the underworld. He also provides him with instructions on how to communicate with Tiresias:
“Cut off a black ram and a ewe as your offerings and bring them straight down here; but make your companions stay where they are. I will tell you all about this so that you can perform these rites without mistake.”
Thanks to Hermes’ guidance, Odysseus is able to successfully speak with Tiresias and gain valuable insight into his journey home.
Conclusion
Throughout the Odyssey, Hermes serves as a helpful and reliable guide for Odysseus. Whether it’s rescuing him from captivity, offering advice on how to overcome obstacles, or providing magical protection, Hermes is a key player in Odysseus’ journey home. His appearances also serve to remind readers of the importance of divine intervention and the interconnectedness of the gods and mortals in ancient Greek mythology.