hermes apollo cattle | Hermes and Apollo relationship

The story of Hermes stealing Apollo’s cattle is one of the most enduring and charming tales from Greek mythology. It's a story not just of theft, but of burgeoning divinity, familial dynamics, and the very birth of cunning itself. This tale, passed down through centuries and retold in countless forms, offers a fascinating glimpse into the characters of Hermes and Apollo, their complex relationship, and the values prized by the ancient Greeks. It also explores themes of reconciliation, justice, and the acceptance of inherent nature, even when that nature leans towards mischief. Let's delve into the details of this captivating myth, exploring its various facets and uncovering the rich layers of meaning embedded within.

Hermes Stealing Apollo's Cattle Story: A Cradle of Cunning

The myth unfolds shortly after Hermes' birth. Born to Maia, a daughter of Atlas, in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia, Hermes emerged into the world not as a helpless infant, but as a precocious and resourceful being. Almost immediately, his thoughts turned to mischief. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and an innate desire to test his burgeoning powers, he conceived a plan: to steal the cattle of his elder brother, Apollo.

This wasn't a simple act of petty theft. Apollo was not only Hermes' brother but also a powerful Olympian god, associated with the sun, music, poetry, healing, and prophecy. He was a figure of immense authority and prestige. To steal from Apollo was to challenge the established order, to thumb one's nose at divine authority, and to declare oneself a force to be reckoned with.

How Did Hermes Steal Apollo's Cattle: A Masterclass in Deception

Hermes' plan was not one of brute force, but of cleverness and deception. He knew he couldn't simply overpower Apollo's herdsmen or outrun the sun god himself. Instead, he relied on his sharp intellect and a nascent understanding of the world around him.

The story recounts how Hermes crept away from his cradle while his mother slept. He traveled to Pieria, where Apollo's sacred herd of fifty cattle grazed. He didn't simply round them up and drive them away. Instead, he employed a series of ingenious tricks to cover his tracks and mislead anyone who might follow.

* Reversed Hooves: The most famous element of Hermes' theft is his ingenious use of sandals made of plaited brushwood. He attached these sandals to the cattle's hooves, effectively reversing the direction of their footprints. This made it appear as though the herd was traveling in the opposite direction, leading pursuers away from the true path.

* Camouflage: Hermes drove the cattle through sandy ground, further obscuring their tracks. He also made them walk backwards for part of the journey, adding another layer of confusion.

* Silent Slaughter: He selected two of the cattle and sacrificed them to the Olympian gods, dividing the meat into twelve portions, though he himself was the only one present (a clear sign of his audacity and a foreshadowing of his future role as a trickster). He then burned the hides and carefully concealed the evidence.

* Infant Innocence: After completing his audacious heist, Hermes returned to his cradle, feigning innocence. He wrapped himself in swaddling clothes and pretended to be asleep, hoping to avoid detection.

These actions showcase Hermes' inherent cunning, his ability to think several steps ahead, and his willingness to bend the rules to achieve his goals. He wasn't just a thief; he was a master strategist, a pioneer of deception.

What Did Hermes Steal: More Than Just Cattle

While the story focuses on the theft of Apollo's cattle, what Hermes actually stole was more than just livestock. He stole:

* Apollo's Peace of Mind: The loss of his sacred herd undoubtedly disturbed Apollo, forcing him to expend energy and resources in their recovery.

* Divine Authority: Hermes' actions challenged the established order of the Olympian gods, demonstrating that even the most powerful could be outsmarted.

* Recognition: By stealing from Apollo, Hermes forced the other gods to acknowledge his presence and his potential. He announced himself as a force to be reckoned with.

* The Concept of Deception: Hermes' actions effectively introduced the concept of calculated deception into the world. He demonstrated that intelligence and cunning could be used to overcome strength and authority.

Hermes and Apollo Relationship: From Conflict to Collaboration

Apollo, enraged by the theft, confronted Hermes. Initially, he didn't believe that a newborn could be responsible for such a sophisticated crime. However, the evidence, coupled with Apollo's prophetic abilities, eventually led him to the truth.

The confrontation between the two brothers was intense. Apollo, fueled by righteous anger, demanded the return of his cattle. Hermes, feigning innocence, denied any involvement. The situation threatened to escalate into a serious conflict, potentially involving the other Olympian gods.

However, the intervention of Zeus, their father, prevented a full-blown divine feud. Zeus, recognizing both Apollo's anger and Hermes' cleverness, ordered Hermes to return the stolen cattle.

The resolution of the conflict is perhaps the most significant part of the story. Instead of simply returning the cattle, Hermes offered Apollo a gift: the lyre. Hermes had fashioned this instrument from a tortoise shell, animal gut, and reeds. Its beautiful sound captivated Apollo, who was already a patron of music.