Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and sports was one of the twelve Olympian gods. As a divine messenger, he was revered by many and had several intriguing stories associated with him. In this article, we’ll explore some of the fascinating tales about Hermes and his exploits.
The Birth of Hermes
According to Greek mythology, Hermes was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. His mother was Maia, one of the seven Pleiades and his father was Zeus, the king of gods.
When he was just a few hours old, Hermes displayed his cunning nature by sneaking out of his cradle and stealing some cattle from Apollo. To hide his tracks, he tied brooms to their tails and wore shoes backward so that it would appear as if they were moving in the opposite direction. When Apollo found out about this theft, he confronted Hermes who denied any involvement until Zeus intervened to resolve the matter.
The Invention of the Lyre
Hermes is also credited with inventing the lyre – a musical instrument with strings attached to a sounding board. According to legend, as a child Hermes found an empty turtle shell lying on the ground and decided to use it to create music.
He took out its insides and attached strings across it before strumming them with a stick he found nearby. This inspired him to create an even better instrument which led to him crafting the first-ever lyre made from tortoise shell.
Hermes and Argus
One day Zeus sent Hermes on a mission to kill Argus – a giant with 100 eyes who guarded Io – one of Zeus’s lovers who had been transformed into a cow by Hera’s jealousy. Hermes used his wit to lull Argus into sleep by telling him stories until all 100 eyes were shut. Then he swiftly killed him with a stone and freed Io from her cursed form.
The Theft of Apollo’s Cows
Hermes’ cunning nature was showcased once again when he stole Apollo’s cows shortly after his birth. When Apollo discovered that Hermes had taken them, he confronted him and demanded that he return them.
However, Hermes denied any involvement and even went as far as to swear on Zeus’s name that he had not taken the cows. Eventually, Hermes agreed to return the cattle on the condition that Apollo would teach him how to play the lyre.
The Winged Sandals
One of Hermes’ most iconic symbols is his winged sandals which enabled him to fly at incredible speeds. According to legend, Hermes acquired these sandals from a fellow god – Perseus – who gifted them to him after successfully slaying Medusa – a monstrous creature with snakes for hair whose gaze could turn people into stone.
In conclusion, Hermes was a fascinating character in Greek mythology known for his wit, cunning nature, and various exploits. His stories continue to inspire many today and his legacy lives on through numerous representations in popular culture.