Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, played a significant role in the epic poem “The Odyssey” by Homer. Hermes is known for being a messenger of the gods and a guide to mortals. He was often tasked with delivering messages to Odysseus, the hero of the story.
Throughout “The Odyssey,” Hermes appears numerous times to assist Odysseus on his journey home. In Book Five, Hermes is sent by Zeus to Calypso’s island to tell her that she must release Odysseus from her captivity. Hermes tells Calypso that Zeus has demanded Odysseus’ freedom because it is his destiny to return home and reclaim his kingdom.
Hermes also plays a crucial role in helping Odysseus defeat Circe in Book Ten. Before Odysseus enters Circe’s palace, Hermes appears to him and gives him a magical herb called moly that will protect him from Circe’s spells. With the help of Hermes’ gift, Odysseus is able to resist Circe’s magic and ultimately turns her spells against her.
In addition to aiding Odysseus on his journey home, Hermes also serves as a messenger between the gods. In Book Twenty-Four, Hermes is sent by Zeus to escort the souls of fallen warriors from the battlefield back to the underworld.
Overall, Hermes’ relationship with Odysseus can be described as one of guidance and assistance. Without Hermes’ help throughout his journey, it is likely that Odysseus would not have been able to overcome many of the obstacles he faced. As such, he played an essential role in ensuring that Odysseus fulfilled his destiny and returned home safely.
In conclusion, Hermes was an important character in “The Odyssey,” acting as both a messenger of the gods and a guide for mortals like Odysseus. His relationship with Odysseus was one of assistance and guidance, as he helped the hero overcome obstacles and fulfill his destiny. With Hermes’ help, Odysseus was able to return home and reclaim his kingdom, making him one of the most iconic heroes in Greek mythology.