While still an infant, Hermes killed a tortoise and used its shell to make a stringed instrument called a lyre. Soon afterward, he stole some cattle belonging to Apollo (pronounced uh-POL-oh) and then returned to his cradle. When Apollo came looking for the animals, Hermes pretended to know nothing and told a cunning tale to prove his innocence. In the course of telling his tale, he stole Apollo’s bow and arrows.
Zeus insisted that the cattle be returned, so Hermes brought Apollo to the place where they were hidden. There he took up his lyre and played so impressively that Apollo agreed to overlook the theft of the cattle if Hermes would give him the instrument. Hermes also handed back the bow and arrows he had stolen. Amused by the young god’s antics, Apollo became his good friend and made Hermes the protector of herdsmen.
When Hermes grew up, he often came to the aid of other gods and mortals. He accompanied Zeus on many journeys and once helped him during a struggle with the monster Typhon (pronounced TYE-fon). Another time, Hermes rescued Ares (pronounced AIR-eez) when the god was imprisoned in a jar. He also played a role in arranging the return of Persephone (pronounced per-SEF-uh-nee) from the underworld, or land of the dead. As a protector of travelers, Hermes escorted the spirits
Hermes stole cattle from Apollo, but was then made the protector of herdsmen by the god after he charmed him with his music. In this painting he returns the stolen animals to Apollo as the gods look on. ERICH LESSING/ART RESOURCE, NY.
Of dead mortals to the river Styx (pronounced STIKS). Among the living mortals he assisted were King Priam of Troy, Aeneas (pronounced i-NEE-uhs), and Odysseus (pronounced oh-DIS-ee-uhs).
Hermes had love affairs with a number of goddesses and mortal women. The goddess he loved the most was Aphrodite (pronounced af-ro-DYE-tee), with whom he had two children, Hermaphroditus (pronounced hur-maf-ro-DYE-tuhs) and Priapus (pronounced pry-AY-puhs). Hermes
Was also the father of Pan, the god of shepherds and flocks who was half man and half goat.
World History
