Mudd 1!

Gabriella Mudd

Mrs. Dietrich

Honors World Literature

13 February 2017

Outline

I. Introduction:

Hermes is more than just the mailman of Mount Olympus

A. Greek mythology as well as The Odyssey would be entirely different with Hermes,

the messenger of the gods, who was a n integral part of the Greek pantheon and

Odysseus journey home.

2. Main Points

A. Hermes was born of the most powerful god, Zeus

B. He plays many roles in Greek mythology, most notably, traveling through the

C. Underworld to mortal world.

D. Hermes attributes and qualties

E. Hermes helped Odysseus on various occasions in The Odyssey, ultimately sealing

his fate.

3. Body:

A. Hermes comes from very powerful lineage

i. Zeus and Maia were parents

ii. Born on Mt Cyllene in Acadia

iii. Hermes comes from herma, meaning pile of stones

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iv. He is of double origin

B. Hermes plays many roles in mythology which eventually earns him his name and

importance.

i. His first myth concerns his brother Apollo, and the invention of the lyre

ii. Hermes is the god of

iii. He is the herald; would lead souls to the Underworld

iv. Saved Io; one of his myths

C. Hermes is known for his many unique attributes and worldly uniform.

i. Hermes is often seen with a herald and winged boots.

ii. He was the shrewdest and most cunning

iii. Hermes is commonly associated with protection of cattle and sheep

iv. Name all patron of

v. Most frequent (2C)

D. Hermes interfered in Odysseus journey home on multiple accounts.

i. Hermes was sent by Zeus to Calypsos island

ii. He tells Calypso to let Odysseus continue on his journey

iii. Hermes gives Odysseus Moly

4. Conclusion:

A. Hermes is often overlooked in the rankings of the most essential gods, however he

has proved himself to be fundamental to the Pantheon. His array of talents, dynamic

personality, and unique abilities make him vital?

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B. Hermes was born to a powerful family and made himself indispensable to gods and

mortals alike. He served many roles in the Pantheon, most notably a servant to the

immortals. He is commonly seen with a herald or wand, and winged boots. Hermes

continues his vital role in literature, specifically in The Odyssey, as he helped Odysseus

escape Calypsos island, and offered him Moly.

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Gabriella Mudd

Mrs. Dietrich

Honors World Literature

6 March 2017

Hermes Significance in Greek Mythology and Literature

Hermes is more than just the mailman on Mount Olympus! Hermes was born to the

most powerful god, Zeus, and plays many roles in Greek mythology; most notably traveling

through the different worlds. He has a very complex personality that requires extensive

knowledge of his origins, and many myths to truly understand. Hermes commonly interferes

with the lives of mortals and immortals alike, particularly Odysseus from Homers Odyssey.

Greek mythology, as well as The Odyssey, would be entirely different without Hermes, the

messenger of the gods, as he is an integral part of the Greek Pantheon and Odysseus journey

home.

Hermes was destined for a life of hustle and bustle from the day he was conceived.

Born to Zeus, and Maia, the eldest and most beautiful of the Seven Pleiadesin a cave of

Mount Cyllene in Arcadia (Sakoulas), Hermes was plopped right into the middle of Greek

life. His grandfather on his mothers side is Atlas, a demigod credited with holding up Heaven,

although his grandmother and father are fully gods, thus making him of double origin

(Hoeller). Hermes name came from the greek word herma, meaning pile of stones; he

received this name when he was brought to trial by the gods, and as they casted votes for his

innocence, they would throw stones at his feet (The Editors at Encyclopedia Britannica).

Hermes early life sets him up for a life of action, power, and success.
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Time and time again, Hermes justifies himself in being a jack-of-all-trades dually acting

as an expert on many topics and affairs. Ron Leadbetter of Mythica Encyclopedia states that

Hermes is the god of shepherds, land travel, merchants, weights and measures, oratory,

literature, athletes, and thieves. Hermes was regarded as a patron of athleticism because he is

thought to be the creator of foot-racing and boxing, and was associated with oratory and

literature because of his eloquence and grace in communication, often delivering messages in a

powerful way (Hoeller). Hermes proved to take his role as the patron of land travel, or

travelers in general, very seriously as it has been said that he severely punished those who

refused to help lost and weary passengers (Sakoulas). Additionally, Hermes is thought to be the

patron of commerce, as he was entrusted with promoting trade, strong relationships, and

communication among nations (Sakoulas). He is commonly depicted as a shepherd, or

pastoral character, with a sheep upon his shoulders; Hermes was often associated with the

protection of cattle and sheep in literature and cult alike (The Editors of Encyclopedia

Britannica). It is not unlikely to see Hermes portrayed as a bearded male, attired in a tunic, cap,

and winged boots, which were symbolic of his role as a messenger (The Editors of

Encyclopedia Britannica). He is also frequently seen with a heralds staff, which is a winged

staff with two snakes wrapped around it (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica). This is a

very popular symbol of Hermes, belonging exclusively to him, and is commonly seen and

mentioned throughout Greek art and literature. In fact, Homer refers to his staff in The Odyssey

as both his golden rod and wand. Hermes is attributed with being the shrewdest and most

swift and cunning of all of the gods; able to promptly deliver messages, slyly steal items, and

get out of trouble in a breeze (Hamilton 34). The British Scholar, R.F. Willets wrote that, in
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many ways, Hermes is the most sympathetic, the most baffling, and the most confusing of all

the gods(Leadbetter), supporting the idea that Hermes is a very complex and dynamic

character that disputes the idea that gods specialize in one area of expertise. Willets went on to

state that Hermes is the most Greek of all the gods, perhaps one of the biggest compliments to

receive. Scholars and mythology buffs alike can see that Hermes is a very complex god, with

duties and talents spanning many areas, but that overall he is a kind, perceptive, and nimble

immortal that is always performing the necessary tasks to keep everybody in good graces.

The wayfinder [Homer], plays many roles in mythology which eventually earn him

his various distinguished titles. On the day he was born, Hermes escaped from his cradle and

crept out of the cave in which he was delivered to steal his brother, Apollos, oxen. On his

journey, Hermes found a turtle, in which he killed, and strung seven strings across the empty

shell; thus inventing a lyre (Sakoulas). It is for this astonishing tale that Hermes is credited

with being a master thief (Hamilton 34), as well as a talented inventor. Hermes primary job

is to act as a herald, or messenger, and guide souls of the dead to the Underworld. He is also

responsible for traveling to the mortal world, and bringing dreams to humans (Leadbetter).

Hermes has been credited with appearing in more tales of mythology than any other god

because of how vital his abilities are to those around him (Hamilton 35). Overall, he played in

integral part in mythology, and worked very hard to maintain a balance and good

communication between the immortals, as well as humans.

Many Greek gods have been looked at and characterized more in-depth through

different mediums such as literature. Hermes plays a large role in Homers The Odyssey, and

ultimately enables Odysseus to return home to Ithaca safely. His duties and actions throughout
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this epic poem support and provide a deeper understanding to his characteristics and overall

self. He was first mentioned in The Odyssey with Homer stating, Hermes I sent, while yet his

soul remaind, Sincere from royal blood, and faith profaned(58), reinforcing the idea that

Hermes was a seasoned traveller, often called upon to deliver messages, and born to the most

noble of the gods. Zeus then sent him to deliver his message to Calypso, and help Odysseus

escape her island, stating:

Hermes, thou chosen messenger of heaven!

Go, to the nymph be these our orders borne

'Tis Jove's decree, Odysseus shall return:

The patient man shall view his old abodes,

Nor helped by mortal hand, nor guiding gods

His friends, his country, he shall see, though late:

Such is our sovereign will, and such is fate. (Homer 185)

This not only depicts how much trust the gods put in Hermes, and how truly respected he was,

but also the large part he played in Odysseus escape. Hermes helped Odysseus a second time

when he gave him Moly to protect him from Circe's magic when he went to her home to rescue

his friends. Homer speaks of the scene fondly, as such:

Thus while he spoke, the sovereign plant he drew

Where on the all-bearing earth unmark'd it grew,

And show'd its nature and its wondrous power:

Black was the root, but milky white the flower;

Moly the name, to mortals hard to find,

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But all is easy to the ethereal kind.

This Hermes gave, then, gliding off the glade,

Shot to Olympus from the woodland shade. (Homer 330)

This excerpt, similar to the previous one, supports the idea that Hermes had great connections

with the gods and all things immortals, was trusted and reliable, and that his interferences in

Odysseus journey, sooner or later, brought him home. Although many gods interfere in The

Odyssey, Hermes actions are the most important because they come at crucial times.

Hermes is often overlooked in the rankings of the most powerful gods, however he has

proved himself to be vital in the Pantheon. His array of talents, dynamic personality, and

unique abilities make him a fundamental figure in mythology and literature alike. Hermes was

born to a powerful family and made himself indispensable to gods, as well as mortals. He

served many roles in the pantheon, commonly as a servant to the immortals (Hoeller). He is

commonly seen with a herald or wand, and winged boots. Some of the Hermes most

outstanding traits include his versatility, swiftness, cunningness, and inventive spirit. He is

associated with being the patron god of many things such as shepherds, athletes, and thieves.

Hermes continues his vital role in literature, as portrayed in The Odyssey, as he aided Odysseus

in escaping Calypsos island, and offered him Moly.

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Annotated Bibliography

Hamilton, Edith. Mythology. Boston, Massachusetts: Little, Brown, 1942. Print.

This novel includes the various myths that Hermes plays a large role in,and

discusses Hermes role in The Odyssey. Hamilton also explains Hermes' family, such as

who his parents were, his siblings, and sons.

Hoeller, Stephen A. "On the Trail of the Winged God." Hermes and Hermeticism. N.p.,

n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2017.

This source discusses Hermes' importance in Greek mythology, his family

lineage, and status as a god. Hoeller also talks about his characteristics, duties as a god,

and myths he plays a large role in.

Homer. The Odyssey. London: Penguin, 1996. Print.

This novel, The Odyssey by Homer, accentuates Hermes role as a messenger for

the gods, such as how he is sent to help Odysseus and bring him news on various

occasions. The source also informs readers that he carries around his famous golden

rod/staff.

Leadbetter, Ron. Encyclopedia. "Hermes." Hermes. N.p., 8 Feb. 2007. Web. 20 Feb. 2017.

This source discusses important myths that Hermes plays a significant role in.

Leadbetter also talks about what Hermes is the god of, as well as the inventions and

characteristics that gave him his name.

Sakoulas, Thomas. "Hermes (Mercury)." Hermes (Mercury). N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2017.

This source discusses Hermes' Roman counterpart, Mercury, as well as early

myths that developed Hermes as the god he is remembered as today. Sakoulas also talks
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about his duties in the gods' world, such as travelling to Hades and communicating with

wayfarers along the way.

The Editors of Encyclopdia Britannica. "Hermes." Encyclopdia Britannica. Encyclopdia

Britannica, Inc., 8 Nov. 2007. Web. 20 Feb. 2017.

This source discusses the birthplace of Hermes, as well as the identities of his

mother and father. The authors explain his significance within literature, specific works,

and art. The source also includes information about his physical appearance and

attributes, as well as symbols he is frequently associated with.