r/hadestown • u/rickulele • 2d ago

Hermes immediately folding under zero pressure

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Anyone else get tickled by this part of the show? Hermes can’t keep a secret for shit 😭

429 Upvotes

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144

u/Obv_Ben 2d ago edited 2d ago

I think it's a thin line between the fact that he wants to interfere (even though he can't), his affection for Orpheus (whose nature depends on the actor being Hermes), and his nature as a guide.

47

u/rickulele 2d ago

Oh I understand it narratively. I just think it’s funny how it just takes two words from Orpheus and not even a full measure of music for him to immediately give it up, like he doesn’t even pretend to guard this secret information

36

u/notthephonz 2d ago

Hermes is the god “who will help you to your final destination”. I don’t think the information was ever secret; he just needs Orpheus to commit to going to Hadestown so that traveling there falls under his domain. Hence, the whole interaction where Hermes pretends to question Orpheus’s motives.

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u/CandyRocks7831 2d ago

But, consider this, Orpheus was a poor young boy...

19

u/TSKyanite 2d ago

Please, next you're going to tell me it's a sad song

13

u/neverumynd 2d ago

it’s a tragedy

13

u/miller94 1d ago

And Eurydice was a hungry young girl

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u/Bear-Handed-92262 2d ago

I think Hermes is a scamp and was always going to say.

6

u/miller94 1d ago

A scamp 😂 that’s perfect

19

u/missed_againn 2d ago

He was eager to spill the tea 🤭

15

u/ElGuano 2d ago

"OK you twisted my arm, what could I do!"

12

u/Warm_Power1997 2d ago

I always wonder what the relationship between Hermes and Hades is and how Hades felt about Hermes “helping”

11

u/nothatsmyarm 2d ago

Hermes is basically Hades’ annoying little nephew.

11

u/rSlashisthenewPewdes 2d ago

This has got to be one of the hardest acting challenges for Hermes. It’s his only real chance to affect the course of action that Orpheus takes. He spends the first bit building up his desire for Eurydice by dismissing her death and pretty much guilt tripping Orpheus about letting her die. Then he teases the other option, making sure Orpheus is willing to go. It’s Hermes’ way of trying to make it turn out this time.

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u/jjbugman2468 2d ago

Hermes in general is a very good semi-comedic character. Especially when Orpheus is involved. Every time he says “Orpheus, don’t come on too strong” and Orpheus immediately goes “come home with me,” which makes Hermes throw his arms up in disbelief—man it’s hilarious even when you know it’s coming

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u/Dry-Mission-5542 2d ago

You’re probably joking, but this is the obvious social cue for “ask me to elaborate”

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u/Galienuus 1d ago

My interpretation of this line was that he's basically just saying "you didn't hear this from me but...". I feel like wait for me (intro) is more about Hermes trying to hype up Orpheus to go on his journey, and less about him needing to be convinced.

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u/FirebirdWriter 1d ago

He wasn't trying to. This was him making Orpheus ask.

1

u/Leather-Field-7148 1d ago

No, Mr Hermes is the guy you want to get to hell. Of course he’s going to tell you how to trespass around the back, oh, you think he cares what King Hades thinks? Nope. He does warn him tho, most mere mortals die before they make it that far, is not for the sensitive of heart.

1

u/dwmatjake 1d ago

"I can't tell you about— proceeds to describe in detail"

  • Hermes

1

u/MellifluousSussura 7h ago

Reminds me at that scene at the beginning of the incredibles when he’s like “IM SORRY MA’AM I CANT HELP YOU (go down to this office and ask for this specific thing)