Hermes, the Greek god of trade, commerce, and theft, was one of the twelve Olympian gods. He was known for his cunning nature and mischievous behavior. However, despite his godly powers and abilities, he too met with a tragic end.
According to Greek mythology, Hermes was killed by Apollo, the god of music and prophecy. The reason behind this fatal encounter between the two gods was a dispute over a lyre.
Apollo claimed that Hermes had stolen his sacred cattle and demanded their return. In response, Hermes denied any wrongdoing and presented a lyre made from the intestines of the same cattle as proof of his innocence.
Apollo was fascinated by this unique instrument and requested to have it as compensation for the alleged theft. Hermes agreed but only on one condition- that he would teach Apollo how to play it. Apollo accepted the deal but soon realized that he had been tricked by Hermes yet again.
Hermes had played a prank on Apollo by exchanging the real lyre with a fake one made from tortoise shell. Angry at being deceived, Apollo confronted Hermes once again and in their ensuing argument, killed him with a single blow from his golden sword.
The death of Hermes saddened all of Mount Olympus as he was loved by both gods and mortals alike for his wit and charm. The gods decided to honor him by placing him among the stars as a constellation – Gemini or “The Twins.”
In conclusion, Hermes met his end due to his own mischievous ways which angered Apollo enough to take action against him. Despite meeting an untimely death, he was remembered fondly by all who knew him and continues to be celebrated through mythology even today.