The Odyssey is an epic poem by Homer that tells the story of Odysseus and his journey back home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Throughout his journey, Odysseus encounters many gods and goddesses, including Hermes. But what does Hermes do in the Odyssey?
Hermes: The Messenger of Gods
In Greek mythology, Hermes is known as the messenger of the gods. He is often depicted with winged sandals and a winged helmet, which symbolize his ability to move quickly and easily between different realms. In the Odyssey, Hermes plays an important role in helping Odysseus on his journey.
Guiding Odysseus
One of Hermes’ main roles in the Odyssey is to guide Odysseus on his journey. In Book V, Hermes is sent by Zeus to help Calypso release Odysseus from her island. Hermes tells Calypso that it is Zeus’ will for Odysseus to return home, and she must let him go.
“The nymph seems willing now- she offers gifts! A loving send-off for a man she cherished..
But he must sail at once- no more delays.” -Hermes (Book V)
Later in Book X, when Odysseus visits Circe’s island, Hermes appears to him and gives him a magical herb that will protect him from Circe’s spells. With this herb, Odysseus is able to resist Circe’s powers and eventually free his men from her spell.
Protecting Heroes
In addition to guiding heroes like Odysseus, Hermes also protects them from danger. In Book XXIV, when Achilles’ ghost appears before Agamemnon in Hades’ realm, he tells Agamemnon that he had met with Hermes before his death.
Hermes warned Achilles that if he killed Hector, he would die soon after. Thanks to Hermes’ warning, Achilles was able to avoid his own death in battle.
“When I met Hermes, the messenger of the gods, I told him what was happening and he gave me this advice: ‘Son of Peleus [Achilles], think no longer of dying; Zeus, who drives the clouds, loves you too well.'” -Achilles (Book XXIV)
Hermes and Athena
Finally, it’s worth noting that Hermes often works alongside Athena throughout the Odyssey. Both gods are known for their cleverness and ability to guide heroes through difficult situations.
In Book XIII, for example, Athena disguises herself as a young girl and meets Odysseus on his journey home. She tells him how to defeat the suitors who have taken over his home in Ithaca. Later in the same book, Hermes appears to Odysseus and gives him instructions on how to prepare for battle.
In conclusion, Hermes plays an important role in the Odyssey as a guide and protector of heroes like Odysseus and Achilles. He is also closely associated with Athena, another important figure in Greek mythology. Through his actions in the poem, Hermes embodies many of the values that were important to ancient Greeks: cleverness, quick thinking, and loyalty to one’s family and homeland.
9 Related Question Answers Found
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.
The Greek god Hermes plays a significant role in Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey. As the messenger of the gods and the patron of travelers and thieves, Hermes appears several times throughout the story to assist or hinder Odysseus on his journey back home to Ithaca. Hermes as a Guide:
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