Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, was known for his intelligence and cunning. He was also a messenger of the gods and was often tasked with delivering important messages between them.
Apollo, on the other hand, was the god of music, poetry, and prophecy. He was often depicted carrying a lyre or playing one.
Legend has it that Hermes once stole Apollo’s cattle in a fit of mischief. When Apollo found out about this, he became furious and demanded that Hermes return his cattle to him. Hermes agreed to return the cattle but also offered a gift to Apollo as a gesture of goodwill.
Hermes then crafted a beautiful lyre out of tortoise shell and presented it to Apollo. The lyre had seven strings and Apollo was so mesmerized by its sound that he immediately forgave Hermes for stealing his cattle.
But why did Hermes choose to make a lyre? It is said that Hermes created this musical instrument as an ode to his mother Maia. According to ancient Greek mythology, Maia was one of the seven Pleiades who were companions of Artemis, goddess of hunting.
The myth goes that when Maia gave birth to Hermes in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, she fell asleep shortly after. While she slept, Hermes left her side and went outside where he found an empty tortoise shell lying on the ground.
Hermes then used the shell to create the first-ever lyre by attaching strings made from sheep gut across its opening. He played it himself and quickly mastered it before returning back to his mother’s side as if nothing had happened.
The story of how Hermes made Apollo a lyre not only shows how clever he was but also highlights the importance of music in ancient Greek culture. Music played an essential role in religious ceremonies, festivals, and even everyday life.
In conclusion, while stealing Apollo’s cattle may have been mischievous on Hermes’ part, his gift of the lyre to Apollo was a symbol of peace and goodwill. The creation of this musical instrument also shows how music was valued in ancient Greek culture and how it played an important role in their mythology and daily lives.