What Did Hermes Do With the Cattle He Stole?

Hermes, the Greek god of trade, thieves, and travelers, is known for his mischievous yet clever antics. One of his most famous exploits was the theft of Apollo’s cattle.

But what did Hermes do with the cattle he stole? Let’s delve into this fascinating tale.

The Theft

According to Greek mythology, Hermes was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. As a newborn, he displayed incredible intelligence and trickery by inventing the lyre using a tortoise shell and cow gut strings.

One day, while tending to his flock of cattle on Mount Olympus, Apollo discovered that Hermes had stolen 50 of his prized animals. Furious at the theft, Apollo demanded that Hermes return them immediately.

But Hermes was too cunning to give up the cattle without a fight. He cleverly disguised their tracks by making them walk backward and even put branches on their hooves to confuse Apollo.

The Bargain

Despite his anger at the theft, Apollo couldn’t help but be impressed with Hermes’ quick thinking. He decided to strike a deal with the young god – he would let him keep the cattle if he gave him something in return.

Hermes agreed to the bargain but asked for one condition – if he could take any animal from Apollo’s herd in exchange for each stolen cow. Apollo agreed without hesitation.

But instead of taking an animal from Apollo’s herd, Hermes invented a musical instrument called a panpipe using reeds found nearby. He presented it to Apollo as payment.

The Outcome

Apollo was delighted with the new instrument and immediately fell in love with its enchanting sound. He even asked Hermes to teach him how to play it properly.

In this way, Hermes not only kept the stolen cattle but also earned Apollo’s respect and admiration for his cleverness and ingenuity.

Conclusion

So, what did Hermes do with the cattle he stole? He kept them, of course!

But more than that, he also used his wit and intelligence to outsmart Apollo and earn his respect. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of cunning and quick thinking in difficult situations. It also highlights the importance of bargaining and compromise in resolving conflicts.