Hermes
Hermes is Kino's companion, and the closest thing she has to a best friend. Despite him being a motorrad, they experience everything together, and Hermes is the only person that Kino talks openly to. Because of that, their relationship is extremely important to Kino and her journey.
Hermes was built by the original Kino from a bunch of scrap metal. Kino was skeptical, but the original Kino explained that once it was built, they would have a balanced partnership: Hermes needed a rider to keep him stable, and Kino needed a bike to take her farther than she could get on her own. From the minute he was finally built, he helped Kino out- it was him that helped Kino escape her parents and the village where she was imprisoned. When Kino froze, Hermes was the one who talked her into using him and getting out. Ever since that day, the two of them had a special bond that no one else could touch.
Throughout the series, Hermes acts as a sounding board for Kino. Kino doesn't actually voice many opinions or worries to people, so for her to talk to Hermes shows the degree of trust they have in each other. Hermes always questions Kino and encourages her to think beyond her world. Because he is a motorrad, he brings a unique perspective into her world.
Kino: Well, that's the way it looks. But.. maybe not. I can also look at it this way: just because they're humans like me, it doesn't mean I'm obligated to help them, Hermes.
One thing that is often overlooked about Kino's relationship with Hermes is the companionship factor. Kino is still just a child, and if she had to travel alone, I don't know if she would be as strong as she is. Even just having someone to talk to, or something to look out for her at night is the kind of support that Kino needs. Not only that, but Hermes is a very important aspect of the series. Kino's Journey would not work with two main human characters- that would detract from Kino's relationship with the world. Instead, they introduced Hermes as someone Kino could talk to but who wouldn't steal the spotlight. Hermes has the extremely important role of supporting Kino, but also making sure she is held accountable. Without Hermes, the series wouldn't have the same atmosphere as it does.
From another perspective, Hermes also lightens up the series significantly. Some of the situations and feelings Kino encounters are difficult to comprehend, but Hermes always knows how to lift the mood. From his bad repertoire of sayings to his stubbornness, he seems to always be able to make Kino laugh.
Kino: ...... you mean, "Charity is not for the sake of others"?
Like I said at the beginning, Hermes is Kino's companion, best friend and support. Without him, I have no doubt that Kino wouldn't be the same person that she is. From their bickering to their late night discussions about life, their relationship is one of my favourite parts of the series.