Apollo's Cattle
One of the most enduring myths about Hermes as a trickster involved the theft of his older brother Apollo's cattle. According to legend, shortly after birth, Hermes secretly left his home and hid the cattle of Apollo (god of the sun). In order to ensure the cattle would not leave tracks, he made each one a set of four boots. Hermes then went back into his home without alerting his mother.
Of course, when questioned by Apollo, Hermes acted innocently. However, Apollo didn't believe the youth and proceeded to take him to Zeus. Instead of punishing Hermes, Zeus laughed at the whole affair. Recognizing what cunning and speed was needed to accomplish the cattle theft, he made Hermes the messenger of the gods.
According to the ancient historian Thucydides, stealing the cattle of a neighbor was a common practice among shepherds in communities that relied on livestock herding. Originally, stealing cattle was considered a means of survival and not a dishonorable venture. This also explains why Hermes was known as the patron god of shepherds and thieves.
Apollo's CattleOne of the most enduring myths about Hermes as a trickster involved the theft of his older brother Apollo's cattle. According to legend, shortly after birth, Hermes secretly left his home and hid the cattle of Apollo (god of the sun). In order to ensure the cattle would not leave tracks, he made each one a set of four boots. Hermes then went back into his home without alerting his mother.Of course, when questioned by Apollo, Hermes acted innocently. However, Apollo didn't believe the youth and proceeded to take him to Zeus. Instead of punishing Hermes, Zeus laughed at the whole affair. Recognizing what cunning and speed was needed to accomplish the cattle theft, he made Hermes the messenger of the gods.According to the ancient historian Thucydides, stealing the cattle of a neighbor was a common practice among shepherds in communities that relied on livestock herding. Originally, stealing cattle was considered a means of survival and not a dishonorable venture. This also explains why Hermes was known as the patron god of shepherds and thieves.
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