When it comes to Greek mythology, one character that has always stood out is the god Hermes. Known as the messenger of the gods, he is often depicted as a swift and cunning figure who possesses a range of unique talents and abilities.
One of his most famous appearances in Greek mythology is in Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey.” In this story, Hermes plays an important role in helping the hero Odysseus on his journey home from the Trojan War.
So, what exactly did Hermes give to Odysseus? Let’s take a closer look.
Firstly, it’s important to understand the context in which Hermes appears in “The Odyssey.” At this point in the story, Odysseus has been trapped on the island of Ogygia by the nymph Calypso for seven years. He longs to return home to his wife Penelope and their son Telemachus but has been unable to find a way off the island.
Enter Hermes. In Book 5 of “The Odyssey,” he is sent by Zeus to deliver a message to Calypso demanding that she release Odysseus.
When he arrives on Ogygia, he finds Odysseus sitting on the shore weeping. It’s at this point that Hermes offers him several gifts that will help him escape and return home.
One of these gifts is a special herb called moly. According to Hermes, this herb will protect Odysseus from any spells or enchantments that might be used against him. This is particularly important because Calypso is known for her magical powers and could easily use them to prevent Odysseus from leaving.
Another gift that Hermes gives to Odysseus is advice on how to navigate his way home safely. He tells him about two dangerous monsters that he will encounter – Scylla and Charybdis – as well as how to avoid them. This information proves to be invaluable to Odysseus later in the story when he does indeed encounter these monsters.
Finally, Hermes gives Odysseus a message from Zeus himself. The message assures Odysseus that he will eventually make it home and that his wife and son are safe. This is a powerful message of hope for Odysseus, who has been separated from his family for so long.
In conclusion, Hermes gives Odysseus several important gifts in “The Odyssey.” These include the herb moly, advice on how to navigate dangerous waters, and a message of hope from Zeus.
These gifts not only help Odysseus escape from Ogygia but also provide him with the tools and knowledge he needs to complete his journey home. It’s no wonder that Hermes is such an important figure in Greek mythology – his swift intelligence and cunning guidance are invaluable to those who seek his help.