Hermes is the Messenger of the Gods and offers the trio a way to get into the Underworld. Lin-Manuel Miranda plays the character.
As the messenger of Gods, Hermes’ camp in Camp Half-Blood offers refuge to not only his children but the unclaimed demigods as well.
One of the first friends that Percy makes at camp is Luke, one of Hermes’ children. Luke also gives Percy a pair of winged shoes that his father gifted him to help with the quest.
When Percy cuts off Medusa’s head, he chooses to send it back to Olympus using Hermes’ postal network.
Ares tells the trio that if they want to make up for lost time and retrieve the bolt before the solstice, they are going to need Hermes’ help.
He sends them to the Lotus Casino in Las Vegas where the Hermes is said to spend a lot of his time.
A sorrowful father
As Percy is about to inform Luke about their intention to visit his father, Annabeth intervenes, pointing out that the relationship between Luke and Hermes is far from amicable.
Annabeth recalls a past encounter where she witnessed a heated argument between Luke and his father, stemming from the tragic events surrounding Luke’s mother. Annabeth, a seer, had a vision during that incident, which deeply affected her.
Despite the strained history between Luke and Hermes, Annabeth remains hopeful that seeking out Hermes might provide an opportunity for father and son to reconnect.
Upon finally meeting Hermes, their hopes are dashed when he adamantly refuses to assist them, demonstrating his extraordinary control over time and space by instantly transporting them.
He explains that he was explicitly warned against becoming involved in Luke and his mother’s affairs, but he disregarded the warning, only making matters worse.
Hermes recounts his decision to abstain from intervening in such matters, emphasizing the pain he inadvertently caused by his previous actions.
When Hermes makes physical contact with Percy, the demigod is inundated with memories of his numerous school expulsions and the hardship it imposes on his mother.
As they prepare to leave, Hermes drops a revelation: they have spent several days inside the casino, indicating that their quest has been rendered futile.
However, Annabeth discloses that she managed to pilfer Hermes’ keys, but the god, seemingly anticipating their actions, leaves them a note inside his car.
Also Read: How does Percy get Ares’s shield back in Percy Jackson and the Olympians?