What Herb Did Hermes Give Odysseus?

In Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, Hermes, the messenger of the gods, gives a special herb to Odysseus to protect him from the spells of the sorceress Circe. This herb is known as Moly.

The Story Behind Moly

Moly is said to be a magical herb with white flowers that grow on black roots deep in the earth. It is so rare that only the gods and a few select mortals have access to it. According to Greek mythology, Hermes gave this herb to Odysseus when he was on his journey back home after the Trojan War.

How Did Odysseus Use Moly?

Odysseus used Moly as an antidote to Circe’s spells. When he arrived at Circe’s island, she turned some of his men into pigs using her magic.

However, Odysseus had been warned about her powers and was prepared. He ate the Moly that Hermes had given him which protected him from Circe’s magic spells. With Moly’s protection, Odysseus was able to resist Circe’s powers and force her to turn his men back into humans.

What Did Moly Symbolize?

Moly was not just a magical herb but also a symbol in Greek mythology. It represented protection against evil forces and was often associated with the god Apollo who used it as a protective charm against darkness and evil spirits.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes’ gift of Moly played an important role in The Odyssey as it helped Odysseus protect himself from Circe’s spells and ultimately saved his men from being trapped as pigs forever. The story also highlights the importance of having protection against evil forces which is symbolized by Moly in Greek mythology.