Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, and travelers, is one of the most fascinating figures in Greek mythology. Known for his cunning and quick wit, Hermes was a master thief who could steal anything he wanted without being caught.
But what did he first steal? Let’s explore this intriguing question.
The Birth of Hermes
Before we dive into the story of what Hermes stole, let’s take a quick look at his origins. According to Greek mythology, Hermes was born to Zeus and Maia, one of the Pleiades. He was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia and had a precocious nature from birth.
Hermes’ First Theft
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter – what did Hermes first steal? The answer is surprising yet fitting for the god known for his swiftness and cunning.
It is said that on the day he was born, Hermes sneaked out of his cradle and went in search of adventure. He soon came across a herd of cattle belonging to Apollo, another Greek god.
Being an infant god with no resources or possessions to call his own, Hermes saw an opportunity. He swiftly stole fifty cows from Apollo’s herd and drove them away to hide them. To cover up his theft, he made shoes out of branches which allowed him to walk backwards and forwards without leaving any tracks.
The Discovery
When Apollo discovered that his cows were missing, he searched high and low for them but couldn’t find any trace. He eventually became suspicious when he noticed that there were no tracks leading away from where they had been grazing.
One day as Apollo was wandering through the countryside looking for his lost cows, he happened upon a strange sight – a baby playing with something that looked like a lyre made out of tortoise shell. The baby introduced himself as Hermes, and Apollo immediately suspected him of being the thief.
But Hermes was too clever for Apollo. He denied having anything to do with the missing cows and even offered to play a tune on his newly invented lyre. Apollo was so enchanted by the music that he forgot all about his lost cattle and offered to trade anything for the lyre.
Hermes agreed to the trade, and Apollo took possession of the lyre, not realizing that it was worth much more than fifty cows. It wasn’t until later that he realized how he had been tricked by the wily Hermes.
The Importance of Hermes’ First Theft
Hermes’ first theft is significant because it established his reputation as a master thief and trickster. It also set the stage for his relationship with Apollo, which would be characterized by both rivalry and cooperation.
In Greek mythology, Hermes is often depicted as a mediator between gods and humans, using his wit and cunning to navigate difficult situations. His ability to steal without being caught also made him an important symbol of commerce and trade in ancient Greece.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes’ first theft of fifty cows from Apollo’s herd established him as a master thief in Greek mythology. It also set the stage for his important role as a mediator between gods and humans. The story is a testament to Hermes’ cunning nature and has endured through the ages as one of the most popular myths in Greek mythology.