One of the most famous myths involving Hermes is the story of how he stole Apollo's cattle. Hermes was just a baby at the time, but he was already very clever. He managed to trick Apollo by disguising himself as a newborn baby and then hiding the cattle in a cave. Apollo was furious when he discovered what had happened, but he was so impressed with Hermes' cleverness that he agreed to forgive him.
2. Hermes and the Invention of the Lyre
Another well-known myth involving Hermes is the story of how he invented the lyre. Hermes was walking along the banks of a river one day when he found a tortoise. He picked up the tortoise and began to play with its shell, and he soon realized that he could make beautiful music. He then decided to make a musical instrument out of the tortoise shell, and the lyre was born.
3. Hermes and the Judgment of Paris
Hermes also played an important role in the story of the Judgment of Paris. Paris was a Trojan prince who was called upon to judge which of the three goddesses, Hera, Athena, or Aphrodite, was the most beautiful. Paris ultimately chose Aphrodite, and this decision led to the Trojan War.
4. Hermes and the Underworld
Hermes is often depicted as the messenger of the gods, and he frequently travels between the world of the living and the world of the dead. He is sometimes said to be the guide of souls to the underworld, and he is also said to have the power to communicate with the dead.
5. Hermes and the Birth of Dionysus
Hermes also played a role in the birth of Dionysus, the god of wine. Zeus, the king of the gods, fell in love with a mortal woman named Semele, and she became pregnant with his child. Hera, Zeus' wife, was jealous of Semele, and she tricked her into asking Zeus to show his true form. Zeus agreed, but his divine power was too much for Semele, and she was burned to death. Hermes managed to save Semele's child, Dionysus, and he raised him in secret.