Moly (μωλυ) is a magic herb with a black root and white blossoms in Greek mythology. In Homer's Odyssey, Hermes gave this herb to Odysseus to protect him from Circe's incantation.


Homer Odyssey Book 10:

She'll (Circe) mix a drink for you and with the food    
include a drug. But she won't have power
to cast a spell on you.  This fine potion,
which I'll provide you, won't allow it.
I'll tell you now in detail.  When Circe 
strikes you with her elongated wand,
then draw that sharp sword on your thigh and charge,
just as if you meant to slaughter her.
She'll be afraid.  And then she'll order you
to sleep with her.  At that point don't refuse    
to share a goddess' bed, if you want her
to free your crew and entertain you.
But tell her she must swear a solemn oath,
on all the blessed gods, not to make plans
to harm you with some other injury,   
so when she's got you with your clothes off,
she won't change you to an unmanned weakling.'

"After saying this, the Killer of Argus
pulled a herb out of the ground, gave it to me,
and explained its features.  Its roots were black,  
the flower milk-white.  Moly the gods call it.
It's hard for mortal men to pull it out,
but gods have power to do anything.


The moly plant is probably a poetic fiction.  Merry, Riddell, and Monro suggest it might be hellebore, which fits the description of the roots and flower and which was believed to be a protections against madness.


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