Story Summary
Discover the myth of Hermes and the Lyre. Follow the infant god’s journey as he invents a musical masterpiece and outsmarts Apollo in this classic Greek tale.
Hermes, the son of Zeus and Maia, was born in a cave on Mount Kyllene and displayed his divine cunning before the sun had even set on his first day. Creeping from his cradle, the infant found a tortoise outside. With precocious ingenuity, he hollowed the shell and stretched dried sheep gut across it, creating the world's first lyre. Hunger then drove him to steal fifty of Apollo’s sacred cattle, cleverness leading him to wrap his own feet in bark and drive the herd backward to mask their trail. When a furious Apollo tracked the thief down, Hermes simply began to play his new invention. The heavenly music so enchanted the God of Music that Apollo traded his entire herd for the instrument. This exchange birthed an eternal friendship and established Hermes as the god of both thieves and diplomats.
The Moral
Wit and creativity can resolve even the deepest conflicts and turn an enemy into a friend.
“To the god of music, I give the voice of the shell; let its song turn anger into harmony.”
Fun Fact
In ancient Greece, the lyre was the most important instrument in education, used to teach children about rhythm, poetry, and mathematical ratios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Hermes and the Lyre?
The story illustrates that ingenuity and the arts have the power to soothe anger and bridge divides. It shows how creativity can transform a theft into a valuable contribution to culture.
How did Hermes make the first lyre?
Hermes used the hollowed-out shell of a tortoise he found outside his cave on Mount Kyllene. He stretched seven strings made of sheep gut across the shell to create the resonant musical instrument.
Why did Hermes steal Apollo's cattle?
Driven by a mixture of hunger and a desire to test his own cunning, the infant Hermes stole fifty of Apollo’s sacred cows. He used clever tricks, such as making the cattle walk backward, to hide his tracks.
What did Hermes trade to Apollo for the cattle?
Hermes gave Apollo his newly invented lyre in exchange for the stolen cattle and Apollo's forgiveness. Apollo was so moved by the music that he allowed Hermes to keep the herd.
What does the lyre symbolize in Greek mythology?
The lyre symbolizes harmony, prophecy, and the civilizing power of music. It became the primary attribute of Apollo, representing his role as the god of music, truth, and light.
How did Apollo find out Hermes stole his cattle?
Despite Hermes’ clever disguises, Apollo used his prophetic powers and information from an old man who witnessed the theft to track the newborn god to his cave.
