What Did Hermes Do on the Day He Was Born?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, was born on the fourth day of the month. According to ancient Greek mythology, he was the son of Zeus and Maia.

On the day he was born, Hermes exhibited remarkable traits that would define his character throughout his life. Here are some of the things that Hermes did on his birth day:

He Stole His Brother’s Cattle

One of Hermes’ earliest exploits involved stealing his half-brother Apollo’s cattle. As soon as he was born, Hermes wandered off in search of adventure. He came across Apollo’s herd and decided to take some of them for himself.

To avoid getting caught, Hermes cleverly disguised himself by wrapping some branches around his feet to hide his tracks. When Apollo confronted him about the missing cattle, Hermes denied any wrongdoing until he was caught red-handed.

This act showcased Hermes’ cunning and resourcefulness from an early age.

He Invented The Lyre

After stealing Apollo’s cattle, Hermes felt guilty and decided to make amends by offering him a gift. He crafted a musical instrument called the lyre using a tortoise shell and some cowhide.

The lyre would go on to become one of the most popular instruments in ancient Greece and is still used in music today.

This act showcased Hermes’ creativity and artistic abilities.

He Became A Messenger Of The Gods

Zeus was so impressed with Hermes’ exploits that he appointed him as the messenger of the gods. This meant that Hermes was responsible for delivering messages between gods and mortals.

Hermes became known for his speed and agility, which allowed him to travel great distances in a short amount of time. He also became associated with travelers and merchants due to his role as a messenger.

This act showcased Hermes’ loyalty and dedication to serving others.

In conclusion, on the day he was born, Hermes exhibited a range of traits that would define his character throughout his life. From stealing cattle to inventing musical instruments and becoming a messenger of the gods, Hermes showcased his cunning, creativity, and loyalty. These traits made him one of the most beloved gods in ancient Greece and continue to inspire artists and writers to this day.