What Did Hermes Steal From Hades?

Have you ever heard the story of what Hermes stole from Hades? It’s a fascinating tale that highlights the cunning and wit of the Greek god Hermes. Let’s dive into the details!

The Story of Hermes and Hades

According to Greek mythology, Hermes was known as the messenger of the gods. He was also associated with commerce, thieves, and travelers.

One day, while wandering through a field, he stumbled upon a tortoise. Being a mischievous god, he had an idea.

The Plan

Hermes decided to turn the tortoise shell into a musical instrument called a lyre. He carefully removed the shell from the tortoise and used sinews from cows to create strings for the instrument. When he finished, he played beautiful music on it.

The Theft

Hermes wanted to show off his new invention to the other gods but didn’t want them to know where he got it from. He decided to play his lyre for Apollo, who was known for his love of music.

After listening to Hermes play, Apollo asked where he got such an amazing instrument. Knowing that Apollo was not only a god but also a master musician himself, Hermes was hesitant to reveal his secret.

Instead of telling Apollo where he got it from, Hermes challenged him to a contest of skill in music. The winner would get the lyre.

The Contest

Apollo accepted the challenge and started playing his own lyre. His music was beautiful but lacked emotion and feeling.

Then it was Hermes’ turn. He played with such passion and feeling that even Apollo couldn’t help but be impressed.

In the end, Hermes won the contest and took home his newly crafted lyre as well as Apollo’s cattle as part of their wager.

The Lesson

The story of what Hermes stole from Hades teaches us the importance of creativity and resourcefulness. Hermes saw potential in something as simple as a tortoise shell and turned it into a beautiful instrument. He used his wit and cunning to win a challenge against a god known for his musical talent.

It also highlights the importance of not revealing our sources, especially when we have something valuable or unique. Sometimes, it’s better to keep our secrets close to our chest.

In conclusion, the story of what Hermes stole from Hades is both entertaining and enlightening. It showcases the cunning and creativity of the Greek god Hermes while teaching us valuable lessons about resourcefulness and secrecy.