If you ever heard of the Greek god Hermes, then you must know that he was a trickster, messenger of the gods, and the patron of travelers and merchants. He was known for his cunning, intelligence, and dexterity. Among all his feats and adventures, there is one story that stands out as his most famous one.
The story goes like this: One day, Hermes came across a herd of cattle owned by his half-brother Apollo. Hermes had a sudden craving for meat and decided to steal some from the herd. He then drove the cattle away and made sure to cover his tracks by walking backward so that the footprints could not be traced.
When Apollo found out about the missing cattle, he was furious and searched everywhere for them. He eventually found Hermes’ cave but did not find any evidence against him. However, he suspected that Hermes was responsible for it.
Apollo then decided to seek justice and went to Zeus (the king of gods) to complain about what had happened. Zeus listened to Apollo’s complaint and summoned Hermes to explain himself.
Hermes initially denied any involvement in stealing Apollo’s cattle but later confessed when Zeus threatened him with severe punishment. However, instead of punishing him, Zeus found it amusing and asked Apollo to forgive Hermes in exchange for a lyre (a musical instrument) which Hermes had invented.
Apollo was pleased with the gift and forgave Hermes but only after he made him swear never to steal again. This story has been retold countless times in various forms throughout history.
In conclusion, this story is known as “The Theft of Apollo’s Cattle” or “Hermes’ First Theft.” It depicts Hermes’ cunning nature as well as his talent for invention (the lyre).
It also shows how even though he was punished by Zeus initially, he managed to get away with it by using his wit and charm. This famous tale has become an essential part of Greek mythology and has been passed down for generations.