What Does Hermes Invent in Hymn to Hermes?

In the ancient Greek religion, Hermes was considered the god of commerce, thieves, and travelers. He was also known as the messenger of the gods and the patron of shepherds. In Hymn to Hermes, a hymn attributed to the Greek poet Homer, we see a vivid portrayal of Hermes’s birth and his subsequent invention of various things.

The Birth of Hermes

The hymn begins with the story of how Zeus had an affair with Maia, one of the Pleiades, and how she gave birth to Hermes in a cave. The story goes on to describe how Hermes quickly became mischievous and stole Apollo’s cattle on his first day out of the cave.

Hermes’s Inventions

But what is most interesting about this hymn is not just the story of Hermes’s birth but also his inventions. The hymn describes several things that Hermes invented that were crucial for human civilization.

The Lyre

One of these inventions is the lyre. The hymn tells us that after stealing Apollo’s cattle, Hermes made himself a lyre out of a tortoise shell and some cowhide. He then played beautiful music on it that enchanted not only Apollo but also all who heard it.

The Caduceus

Another invention attributed to Hermes is the caduceus. This was a staff with two snakes wrapped around it that became a symbol for medicine in later times. According to the hymn, Hermes received this staff from Apollo as a reconciliation gift after returning his cattle.

The Alphabet

Perhaps one of his most significant inventions was the alphabet. The hymn tells us that after inventing several other things like fire sticks and sandals with wings, he decided to create an alphabet so that people could communicate through writing instead of just speaking.

  • He started by inventing the letters and teaching them to others.
  • He then showed people how to use the alphabet to write things down and keep records.
  • Finally, he taught people how to read what was written using the new alphabet.

Conclusion

Hymn to Hermes is a fascinating piece of literature that not only tells us about the birth and mischievous nature of Hermes but also his significant contributions to human civilization. Through his inventions like the lyre, caduceus, and alphabet, he left an indelible mark on history that can still be felt today.