How Did Hermes Steal Apollo’s Cattle?

In Greek mythology, Hermes is known as the messenger of the gods, the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers. However, what many people don’t know is that he was also a master thief. One of his most famous heists was when he stole Apollo’s cattle.

The Story of Hermes and Apollo’s Cattle

According to legend, one day Hermes came across a herd of cattle that belonged to his half-brother Apollo. As soon as he saw them grazing in the field, he knew he wanted them for himself. So, he came up with a plan to steal them.

The Plan

Hermes started by choosing the best cows from Apollo’s herd and then led them away from the rest of the group. He then took some branches and fashioned them into brooms, which he tied to the cows’ tails to erase their tracks.

After that, Hermes drove the cattle across a river and then back again so that their tracks would be lost in the water. He then hid them in a nearby cave where no one would find them.

The Discovery

When Apollo realized that his cattle were missing, he searched everywhere for them but couldn’t find any trace of where they had gone. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months until one day Hermes decided it was time to reveal his secret.

He went to Apollo and offered him a lyre that he had made from a turtle shell in exchange for forgiveness for stealing his cattle. When Apollo heard Hermes play the lyre so beautifully, he was captivated by its sound and agreed to forgive him.

The Moral Lesson

The story of how Hermes stole Apollo’s cattle teaches us an important lesson about human nature. It shows us how people can be tempted by greed and desire even if they have everything they need. We should always remember to be content with what we have and not to covet what belongs to others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the story of how Hermes stole Apollo’s cattle is a classic tale of trickery and deceit. It shows us that even the gods can be outsmarted and that sometimes, the best way to get what you want is through cunning and wit. However, it also teaches us the importance of honesty and forgiveness.