Mythology

Mythology

Hermes

Hermes, the messenger god, was born of Zeus and Maia, daughter of Atlas. Also known as the god of commerce and travelers, he was both the fastest god and a clever thief. Hermes never married but had many affairs with Aphrodite, Merope, Dryope, and Peitho. His home is Mt. Olympus, but he travels so much that it is sometimes not considered his home. Hermes possesses the conventional Olympian godly attributes of superhuman physical properties, vitality, and functional immortality. He has not aged since he reached adulthood, is immune to most injury, and cannot suffer any Earthly disease. If he is injured, his metabolism lets him heal at a superhuman rate of speed. Hermes is somewhat stronger than some of the Olympian gods. He uses a magical wand called the Caduceus, which allows him to control lesser beings, transform objects into gold, and channel magic energies. His symbols include his winged shoes and his magic wand.

Hermes' Theft of Apollo's Cattle
In his first hours after birth he escaped his cradle, put on his winged shoes, and stole Apollo's cattle. He killed two of them, put their skins on the rocks, and cooked the meat to consume it. The rest of the cattle he put in a cave. Apollo, who could see the future, found out that it was the child Hermes who took his cattle, but Hermes had already gone back to his cradle by the time Apollo figured it out. Apollo accused him of stealing the cattle. Although Hermes denied the charge, but it was obvious that others did not believe him. Finally, he took Apollo to the cattle in the cave. Apollo realized that two cows were missing because he saw the skins on the cave wall. To calm Apollo's anger, Hermes played the lyre.

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