The Greek gods and goddesses have always been a topic of fascination for people all around the world. Each deity has their own story, personality, and unique characteristics. Among the many gods in Greek mythology, two of the most well-known are Apollo and Hermes.
These two gods had a unique bond, with Apollo being the god of music and poetry, and Hermes being the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers. But what did Apollo give Hermes? Let’s find out!
Who were Apollo and Hermes?
Before we dive into what Apollo gave Hermes, let’s first take a brief look at who these gods were.
Apollo was one of the twelve Olympian gods in Greek mythology. He was the son of Zeus and Leto and was known as the god of music, poetry, prophecy, healing, and archery. He was also associated with the sun and light.
Hermes, on the other hand, was also one of the twelve Olympian gods. He was born to Zeus and Maia and was known as the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, sports, athletes, herdsmen, guides to the underworld – basically everything that had to do with movement.
Apollo’s Gift to Hermes
Now that we know who these two gods were let’s talk about what Apollo gave Hermes.
According to Greek mythology, Apollo gifted Hermes with a lyre – a stringed musical instrument similar to a small harp or guitar. With this gift came a new skill set that would change Hermes’ life forever. The lyre became an important part of his identity as it allowed him to create music which he could use to charm animals or even people.
The Importance of Lyre for Hermes
The lyre not only gave Hermes a new skill set but also helped him become an even more versatile god than he already was. As mentioned earlier, Hermes was the god of many things, and the lyre added another dimension to his personality, making him a more well-rounded deity.
The lyre also helped Hermes in his role as the messenger of the gods. He could use it to entertain them and even charm them with his music. Hermes was also known for his persuasive skills and could use his music to convince people to do things they might not have done otherwise.
Hermes’ Gifts in Return
Just like any good friendship, Apollo’s gift to Hermes did not go unrewarded. In return for the lyre, Hermes gave Apollo a herd of cattle that he had stolen from Apollo’s half-brother, Admetus.
This act of thievery showcased Hermes’ cunning and mischievous nature – traits that would become synonymous with him over time. However, despite this act of theft, Apollo and Hermes remained good friends who often collaborated on various projects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apollo gave Hermes a lyre – an instrument that not only helped him become a more versatile god but also added another dimension to his personality. This gift from Apollo allowed Hermes to create music that charmed animals and even people.
In return for this gift, Hermes gave Apollo a herd of cattle which showcased his mischievous nature but did not affect their friendship in any way. The bond between these two gods is an excellent example of how collaboration and mutual respect can lead to great things.