In Greek mythology, Hermes is known as the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and shepherds. He is also known as the messenger of the gods, who would deliver messages from the Olympian gods to mortals. In Homer’s epic poem ‘The Odyssey’, Hermes is mentioned several times with various epithets that describe his character and attributes.
Epithets Used to Describe Hermes in The Odyssey
1. Argeiphontes
One of the most common epithets used for Hermes in The Odyssey is ‘Argeiphontes’. It means ‘slayer of Argus’ and refers to an incident where Hermes killed Argus, a many-eyed giant who was guarding a nymph named Io. This epithet highlights Hermes’ cunning and resourcefulness in accomplishing his tasks.
2. Cyllenius
Another frequently used epithet for Hermes in The Odyssey is ‘Cyllenius’. It refers to Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, Greece, which was considered to be the birthplace of Hermes. This epithet emphasizes his divine origin and status as a god.
3. Polygius
Polygius means ‘of many forms’ or ‘versatile.’ This epithet is used to describe Hermes’ ability to change his appearance at will.
In The Odyssey, he often appears in different guises such as a mortal man or a shepherd. This ability reflects his role as a messenger and mediator between the gods and mortals.
4. Psychopompos
‘Psychopompos’ means ‘guide of souls.’ This epithet describes Hermes’ role as a guide for souls on their journey to the afterlife. He would lead them through the underworld safely to their final destination.
5. Dolios
‘Dolios’ means ‘crafty’ or ‘deceitful.’ This epithet is used to describe Hermes’ character as a trickster, who would often use his wits to deceive others. This quality is highlighted in The Odyssey when he helps Odysseus by giving him the herb that would protect him from Circe’s magic.
Conclusion
Hermes is a multifaceted character in Greek mythology, and his various epithets serve to highlight different aspects of his personality and abilities. From ‘Argeiphontes’ to ‘Dolios,’ these epithets provide insights into the roles that Hermes plays in the lives of mortals and gods alike. The Odyssey showcases these qualities of Hermes through its narrative, making him an essential character in the epic poem.
8 Related Question Answers Found
Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and boundaries, is one of the most prominent figures in Greek mythology. He is often depicted as a youthful and athletic figure with winged sandals and a winged hat. Hermes is considered to be one of the twelve Olympian gods and was worshipped throughout ancient Greece.
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An epithet of Hermes refers to a descriptive term or phrase used to address or refer to the Greek god Hermes, who was the son of Zeus and Maia. Hermes was known as the messenger of the gods, as well as the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and boundaries. He was also considered a patron of poetry and music.
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In Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, the Greek god Hermes plays a significant role as a messenger and guide for the protagonist, Odysseus. Hermes is known for his speed and cunning, which make him an archetype of a trickster figure in Greek mythology. The Trickster Archetype
The trickster archetype is characterized by its ability to deceive and manipulate others for its own gain.
In Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey, Hermes plays a significant role as one of the Olympian gods. Known for his cunning and quick wit, Hermes is often seen aiding and guiding mortals on their journeys. In this article, we will explore the various representations of Hermes in the Odyssey and the significance behind them.
