Bulfinch’s Mythology · Character

Mercury

Messenger of the gods, god of travelers, thieves, and commerce.

minor

Also known as Mercury ( Merˈcu - ry )

Mercury shows up with force in IV: Juno and Her Rivals, Io and Callisto—Diana and Actaeon—Latona and the Rustics. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Messenger of the gods, sent by Jupiter to lull Argus to sleep and slay him, freeing Io.

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In IV: Juno and Her Rivals, Io and Callisto—Diana and Actaeon—Latona and the Rustics: Messenger of the gods, sent by Jupiter to lull Argus to sleep and slay him, freeing Io. Later, in Midas—Baucis and Philemon:…

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See Mercury in roman divinities

Character Web

34 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Virgilian and Ovidian Figures
Miscellaneous Mythological and Romance Figures
Greek and Trojan Heroes

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…

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In the story

Mercury appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV: Juno and Her Rivals, Io and Callisto—Diana and Actaeon—Latona and the Rustics
Messenger of the gods, sent by Jupiter to lull Argus to sleep and slay him, freeing Io.
Midas—Baucis and Philemon
Accompanies Jupiter in disguise without his wings; participates in the hospitality test.
Baucis and Philemon
Accompanies Jupiter in human form, without his wings, seeking shelter.
Cupid and Psyche
Messenger god sent by Jupiter to bring Psyche to the heavenly assembly.
XV: The Graeae or Gray-Maids—Perseus—Medusa—Atlas—Andromeda
God who lends Perseus his winged shoes for the quest.
Perseus and Medusa
Lends his winged shoes to Perseus.
Orpheus and Eurydice—Aristaeus—Amphion—Linus—Thamyris—Marsyas—Melampus—Musaeus
Gives Amphion a lyre and teaches him to play.
Amphion
Gives Amphion a lyre and teaches him to play.
The Laestrygonians
Provides Ulysses with the plant Moly and instructs him on how to overcome Circe's sorcery.
Calypso
Delivers Jove's command to Calypso in her grotto.
The Phaeacians
Worshipped by the Phaeacian chiefs during their evening libation.
Dido
Messenger of the gods; dispatched by Jupiter to command Aeneas to resume his voyage.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mercury in roman divinities

See Mercury in IV: Juno and Her Rivals, Io and Callisto—Diana and Actaeon—Latona and the Rustics