In Greek mythology, Hermes was the god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and messenger of the gods. The son of Zeus and Maia, he was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. As the patron of boundaries and transitions, Hermes was often portrayed as a guide and mediator between the mortal and divine worlds.
One of the most famous hymns dedicated to Hermes is the Homeric Hymn to Hermes. In this hymn, we learn about some of the things that Hermes makes or crafts. Let’s take a closer look at what these are:
1. The Lyre
The hymn tells us that as a newborn baby, Hermes left his mother’s cave in search of adventure.
He soon came across a tortoise and decided to kill it and make an instrument out of its shell. After removing the insides and adding some strings made from animal guts, he created the first lyre.
2. A Wand
Hermes is often depicted carrying a wand or staff known as a caduceus. According to the hymn, he made this wand from an olive tree branch while on his way back to his mother’s cave after creating the lyre.
3. Sandals
Hermes is also known for his winged sandals which allowed him to fly at great speeds. In the hymn, we learn that he made these sandals by using branches from a myrtle tree.
4. A Shield
Later in life, Hermes became involved in a feud with his half-brother Apollo over some stolen cattle. To protect himself during their battle, Hermes crafted a shield out of cowhide which helped him emerge victorious.
5. Language
In addition to physical objects, the Homeric Hymn to Hermes also credits him with inventing language itself! According to the hymn, Hermes was able to charm his older brother Apollo with his clever words and lies, thus becoming the first god to speak in a way that could deceive others.
Overall, the Homeric Hymn to Hermes paints a vivid picture of this fascinating god and his many talents. From crafting musical instruments and magical sandals to inventing language itself, Hermes was truly a jack-of-all-trades in ancient Greek mythology.
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