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An explanation of how the god functions in the Odyssey

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An explanation of how the god functions in the Odyssey

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Hermes appeared mainly as a herald of the gods and the conductor to Hades. Throughout the story, Hermes advises and helps Odysseus twice on his journey back to his home, Ithaca. Hermes also functions as a messenger that goes through the realms of gods and mortals, entering through the underworld and Olympus at will. In the Odyssey, Hermes appears more than once, and assists Odysseus on his journey, "Hermes, disguised as a tenant of the island, tells him to ingest an herb to immunize himself from Circe’s drug" (Roomland). Through the help of Hermes, Odysseus escapes the wrath of Circe and is able to get back to Ithaca.

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Hermes was the messenger and herald of Zeus. He was the son of Zeus and Maia, born on Mt. Cyllene in Arcadia. Hermes was a mischievous god. For example, “While still a baby, he stole his half-brother Apollo’s herd of 50 sacred cattle from Pieria, cleverly reversing their hoof marks by adding bark shoes to make it difficult to follow their tracks” (Cartwright). He was worshiped as the god of fertility in his supposed birthplace. In literature, Hermes was associated with the protection of cattle and sheep, as well as with deities of vegetation. Hermes was credited for inventing fire, the alphabet, dice, and musical instruments such as the lyre.

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Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Hermes." Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2020, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hermes-Greek-mythology. Accessed 15 Dec. 2021.

Cartwright, Mark. "Hermes." World History, 28 Aug. 2019, https://www.worldhistory.org/Hermes/. Accessed 16 Dec. 2021.

Roomland, Clark. "Hermes in The Odyssey: Odysseus’ Counterpart." Ancient Literature, 2 Jul. 2021, https://www.ancient-literature.com/hermes-in-the-odyssey/. Accessed 16 Dec. 2021.

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An explanation of themes or ideas this god or monster represents

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An explanation of themes or ideas this god or monster represents

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Hermes represents the power of communication, as well as trickery. Hermes, as the messenger for Zeus, embodies the importance of communication. For example, his role as Zeus’ messenger made him a part of many stories. The messages that he brought from Zeus may have changed the outcome of these different tales. Trickery is an idea that Hermes represents to the fullest. Since he was a baby, he was showing his mischievous side.

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Hermes: The Messenger God - The Olympians - Greek Mythology Stories - See U in History