Metamorphoses · Character

Mercury

Wing-footed messenger of Jove who descends in polished splendor to woo on a god's behalf and enforce heaven's will on earth.

supporting

Also known as Hermes, The trusty Hermes

First appearance: Transformation of Io Into a Heifer, and the Eyes of Argus Into a Peacock’s Train

See Mercury in Transformation of Io Into a Heifer, and the Eyes of Argus Into a Peacock’s Train Book page

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Mercury arrives at Herse's ivory-lined chamber arrayed with nicest art, his sleep-procuring wand in hand, and promptly enlists her sister Aglauros as a go-between in his errand of love. His smooth negotiation sets off a chain of envy and punishment that reveals how divine desire disrupts mortal households. As Jove's son and messenger, he embodies the poem's traffic between Olympus and earth, where a god's casual courtship can doom a family.

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See Mercury in Transformation of Io Into a Heifer, and the Eyes of Argus Into a Peacock’s Train

Character Web

19 connections

A slice of how Mercury sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Heroic quests and divine interventions
Heroes, gods, and their victims
Diverse mortals and gods in transformation
Transformation through desire and violence

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Telethusa’s de…

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In the story

Mercury appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Transformation of Io Into a Heifer, and the Eyes of Argus Into a Peacock’s Train
Sent by Jove to kill Argus; uses a pipe and storytelling to lull Argus to sleep before striking.
Transformation of Syrinx Into Reeds
Hermes tells the story of Syrinx and later slays Argus.
Transformation of Battus to a Touchstone
The thievish god who steals Apollo's cattle and tests Battus's loyalty.
Story of Aglauros Transformed Into a Statue
The god who falls in love with Herse and seeks Aglauros's aid.
Europa's Rape
Sent by Jove to drive the herd of heifers to the shore, executing his father's plan.
Andromeda Rescued from the Sea Monster
One of the gods to whom Perseus builds an altar.
Song of the Pierides
Transformed into an ibis, a change deemed obscene.
Story of Baucis and Philemon
Accompanies Jove in disguise, laying aside his rod, and participates in the divine test of hospitality.
Transformation of Daedalion
Father of Autolycus by Chione.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mercury in Transformation of Io Into a Heifer, and the Eyes of Argus Into a Peacock’s Train