What Did Hermes Do to Odysseus?

The Greek god Hermes played a significant role in Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey. While the story primarily revolves around the hero Odysseus and his journey back home, Hermes appears in multiple instances throughout the poem, playing different roles at different points.

One of the most significant encounters between Hermes and Odysseus occurs when the latter is stranded on Calypso’s island. For seven years, Calypso has held Odysseus captive, offering him immortality if he stays with her forever. However, Odysseus desires nothing more than to return home to his wife and son in Ithaca.

It is at this point that Zeus sends Hermes to intervene on behalf of Odysseus. In Book 5 of the Odyssey, we see Hermes approaching Calypso on her island. The god delivers a stern message from Zeus, commanding her to release Odysseus and let him continue his journey home.

Hermes’ intervention is crucial in helping Odysseus break free from Calypso’s grasp and continue his journey back home. Without Hermes’ help, it is possible that Odysseus may have remained on the island forever.

Additionally, later in the Odyssey, we see Hermes playing a role in helping Odysseus defeat Circe. When Circe turns some of Odysseus’ men into pigs, he seeks help from Hermes for protection against her spells. The god responds by giving him a magical herb called moly that shields him from Circe’s magic.

In conclusion, while many gods play important roles throughout the Odyssey, it is clear that Hermes’ intervention was critical in helping Odysseus complete his long journey back home. From freeing him from Calypso’s captivity to providing him with protection against Circe’s spells, it is evident that without Hermes’ assistance, the hero may have never made it back to Ithaca.