What Did Hermes Invent?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, invention, and cunning, is known for his wit and intelligence. He was a master of many trades and was credited with inventing several things that revolutionized the world. In this article, we’ll explore some of the inventions attributed to Hermes.

The Caduceus

One of the most famous inventions credited to Hermes is the caduceus. The caduceus is a winged staff with two snakes wrapped around it.

It was a symbol of commerce and negotiation in ancient Greece. The caduceus is still used as a symbol of medicine today, although it has no medical association in ancient Greece.

The Lyre

Another well-known invention attributed to Hermes is the lyre. The lyre is a stringed musical instrument that resembles a small harp.

According to legend, Hermes created the instrument from a tortoise shell when he came across two snakes fighting. He used their intestines as strings on the lyre.

The Alphabet

Hermes is also credited with inventing the alphabet. There are several versions of this story, but one popular legend states that he created it while he was imprisoned by his brother Apollo. During his captivity, he became bored and began to carve letters into small stones using a diamond-tipped stylus.

The Game of Dice

The game of dice was another invention attributed to Hermes. It’s said that he invented the game while waiting for Apollo’s cattle to fall asleep so that he could steal them without being detected.

The Winged Sandals

The winged sandals were another invention credited to Hermes. They allowed him to fly at great speeds and were made from gold and feathers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes was an incredibly inventive god who created many things that are still used today. The caduceus, lyre, alphabet, game of dice, and winged sandals are just a few examples of his many inventions. His legacy lives on through the symbols and objects he created that continue to inspire and captivate us to this day.