When it comes to the epic poem, The Iliad, there are a lot of characters to keep track of. One of the most interesting characters in the poem is Hermes, the messenger of the gods.
Many readers may wonder what side Hermes is on in The Iliad. In this article, we will explore this question and provide some insights into his role in the poem.
The Role of Hermes in The Iliad
Hermes is one of the many gods who play a role in The Iliad. He is often described as being swift and cunning, which makes sense given that he is the messenger of the gods. In fact, one of his primary roles in the poem is to carry messages between various characters.
One example of this occurs early on in the poem when Hermes delivers a message from Zeus to Calchas. This message reveals that Agamemnon must return his captive, Chryseis, to her father if he hopes to appease Apollo and end a plague that has beset the Greek army.
Later on in the poem, Hermes appears again when he helps King Priam sneak into Achilles’ camp to retrieve his son’s body. In this scene, Hermes acts as a guide for Priam and also helps him avoid detection by Achilles’ guards.
What Side Is Hermes On?
So, what side is Hermes on in The Iliad? The answer is both sides and neither side.
As a god, Hermes does not take sides in human conflicts. Instead, he acts as an impartial messenger who delivers messages from one character to another.
While it may seem like this makes him unimportant or irrelevant to the plot of The Iliad, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, without Hermes’ interventions at key moments throughout the poem, many events would not have unfolded as they did.
Hermes as a Symbol of Neutrality
Hermes’ role in The Iliad can be seen as symbolic of the idea of neutrality. As a god, he is above the petty conflicts that plague humans. He is not swayed by personal biases or political motivations.
In this way, Hermes serves as a reminder that there are forces at work in the world that are beyond human control. Even in times of war and conflict, there are larger forces at play that can dictate the outcomes of events.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes is an important character in The Iliad. While he may not take sides in human conflicts, his interventions throughout the poem play a crucial role in shaping the story and advancing the plot.
As readers, we can look to Hermes as a symbol of neutrality and a reminder that there are larger forces at work in the world than just human desires and motivations. So the next time you read The Iliad, keep an eye out for Hermes and appreciate his unique role in this epic poem.
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