What Did Hermes Make?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce and messenger of the gods, was revered for his intelligence, cunning, and speed. As the patron of travelers, he was also known for his ability to traverse great distances in a single bound. But what did Hermes make?

Hermes and His Craft

According to Greek mythology, Hermes was a god of many talents. He was known as the god of thieves, merchants, and shepherds.

He was also considered a patron of athletes and orators. But beyond these roles, Hermes had a particular talent for crafting.

The Lyre

One of Hermes’ most famous creations was the lyre. The lyre is a musical instrument that looks like a small harp.

According to legend, Hermes created the lyre by taking a turtle shell and stretching animal hide over it. He then attached strings to the hide and fashioned tuning pegs out of antlers.

The story goes that after creating this instrument, Hermes gave it to Apollo as a gift in exchange for some cattle he had stolen from him. Apollo was so pleased with the lyre that he made Hermes his personal herald.

The Caduceus

Another famous creation attributed to Hermes is the caduceus. The caduceus is an ancient symbol associated with commerce and negotiation.

The symbol features two serpents wrapped around a staff with wings at the top. According to mythology, Hermes used this staff as a symbol of peace when negotiating with other gods.

The Winged Sandals

Perhaps one of his most famous creations were his winged sandals which allowed him to travel great distances in just one step! These sandals were said to be made from eagle feathers and could carry him across great distances at lightning speed.

  • Other Creations:
    • Hermes is also credited with creating the first alphabet and introducing it to the Greeks.
    • He also created the game of dice, which was used for both entertainment and divination.
    • Hermes was also said to be skilled in metalworking and was able to create intricate works of art from bronze and other metals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hermes was a god of many talents. His creations were not just limited to practical items, but also extended to art and music. From his famous lyre to his winged sandals, Hermes’ creations have stood the test of time and continue to inspire us today.