What Did Hermes Lie About?

Hermes, the Greek God of trade, commerce, and thieves, was known for his cunning and trickery. However, there is one particular lie that he told that had far-reaching consequences.

It all started when Hermes stole Apollo’s cattle and made them walk backward to hide their tracks. When Apollo discovered the theft, he was furious and demanded that Hermes return his cattle. However, Hermes denied having any knowledge of the theft and even offered to help Apollo find the culprit.

Apollo agreed to this arrangement and took Hermes with him to a nearby meadow where they found an old man named Battus. Hermes then offered Battus a golden ram in exchange for his silence about the stolen cattle.

However, once Apollo left, Hermes went back on his word and turned Battus into a stone for betraying him. This act of deception did not go unnoticed by Zeus, who punished Hermes by making him reveal where he had hidden Apollo’s cattle.

This lie not only caused harm to Battus but also damaged Hermes’ reputation as a trustworthy god among his peers. It showed that even gods were not immune to the consequences of their actions.

In conclusion, while Hermes may have been known for his wit and cunning devises, his lies eventually caught up with him. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life.