When Did Hermes Steal Apollo’s Cattle?

If you are familiar with Greek mythology, you must have heard of the infamous story where the mischievous Hermes steals Apollo’s cattle. This tale is a fascinating one and has been told for generations. Let’s delve into the details of this epic myth.

The Beginning of the Story

It all starts with Apollo, the god of music, and Hermes, the god of thieves. One day, while Apollo was out playing his lyre, he noticed that his prized cattle were missing.

Furious at their disappearance, he began to search for them. After a long search, he stumbled upon a man who was tending to a group of cows. This man was none other than Hermes himself.

The Theft

Apollo confronted Hermes about his missing cattle and demanded an explanation. However, being the sly and cunning god he is known to be, Hermes denied any involvement in the theft and even went as far as to swear on the river Styx that he was innocent.

Hermes had hidden the cattle in a nearby cave and had disguised their tracks with branches so that they would not be found. However, Apollo was not fooled by this clever ploy and eventually found out that it was indeed Hermes who had stolen his prized possessions.

The Punishment

Apollo was enraged by this betrayal and decided to take matters into his own hands. He took Hermes to Mount Olympus where Zeus presided over their punishment. Despite his pleas of innocence, Zeus ordered Hermes to return Apollo’s cattle immediately.

To make amends for his actions, Hermes also had to give Apollo his lyre which he had stolen earlier from him as well. In addition to returning the stolen goods, he also had to pay compensation worth twice the value of the cattle.

Conclusion

Thus concludes the tale of Hermes stealing Apollo’s cattle. This story not only provides an interesting insight into the complex relationships between gods but also highlights the consequences of greed and betrayal.

In conclusion, Greek mythology is full of intriguing tales such as this one. It is fascinating to explore the stories and characters that make up this rich history.