 Monodromy theorem

The monodromy theorem says that, when analytic continuation exists throughout a domain, its ambiguity depends on homotopy. Let $D\subset \mathbb{C}$ be a domain, $a\in D$, and $g_a$ a germ of a holomorphic function at $a$. Assume $g_a$ admits analytic continuation along every continuous path in $D$ starting at $a$. Two such paths ending at $b$ give the same terminal germ of a holomorphic function if they are homotopic with endpoints fixed in $D$. ^[ref]

Here a homotopy with endpoints fixed is a continuous map $H:[0,1{]}^2\to D$ satisfyingEvery intermediate path must stay in $D$. Equality means agreement on a neighbourhood of $b$, rather than merely equal values at $b$. ^[ref]

The identity theorem provides local rigidity; the monodromy theorem shows precisely how topology controls the remaining global freedom. Deforming a route without crossing a forbidden point cannot change the resulting germ of a holomorphic function. Thus a complicated analytic continuation calculation can be replaced by one on a simpler homotopic route. Distinct homotopy classes can still give the same continuation: a rational function on its domain already gives a single-valued answer along every route, even around a pole.