MUSIC - APOLLO – HERMES

When Hermes, the messenger of Zeus, was born, the first thing he did was invent the lyre. He spotted a tortoise and decided to make a musical instrument from its shell. Indeed, the lyre played beautiful music.

Next, Hermes went to Apollo's pastures where Apollo's cattle were sleeping. Hermes stole fifty heifers and on his return trip, he threw his baby shoes into the ocean so no one could trace his tracks. He rode the cattle up and down a hill, until you couldn't tell which way the cattle were going. Hermes then led the cattle into a cave and shut them in there. No one saw the theft of the cattle except for one of Apollo's herdsmen, who swore he would tell no one.

When Apollo discovered fifty of his cattle missing, he was outraged. He asked the herdsman whom had witnessed the theft if he knew in which direction the robber went, and the herdsman, unable to keep his secret, told Apollo about the whole incident.

Apollo was furious so he brought Hermes in front of Zeus and demanded to have his cattle back. Pretending to act like a normal baby, Hermes said that he did not know what cattle were. However, Zeus and the other gods did not believe him, so Hermes finally had to return the cattle to Apollo.

Apollo noticed that Hermes was carrying a beautiful musical instrument, and when he heard Hermes play it, he was enchanted. He offered to trade him the lyre for his fifty cattle. Now Hermes was a herdsman and he invented a musical instrument, a shepherd's pipe, for herding his cattle. Once again, Apollo was fascinated with Hermes' new invention and decided to trade his golden wand, the Caduceus, for Hermes' shepherd's pipe. The Caduceus had power over sleep, dreams, wealth, and happiness. Apollo became known for the beautiful music he played with the lyre and became God of music.

Apollo passed the Lyre on to his Orpheus, who sailed with Jason and the Argonauts and was the most accomplished musician of the age. The music of Orpheus could charm people, even angry people and wild beasts. Orpheus with his Lyre could charm even rocks and streams. It is said that the oak trees growing along the coast of Thrace migrated there to better hear the songs of Orpheus.

 

Kindly Regards

Georgios

Greetings Georgios, What an enlightening story, I almost felt myself being charmed just reading it. I always thought of Apollo as a God of Light and empowerment. I have a friend here in Lexington whose family are from Greece and they follow the Greek path. She tells me that Apollo is a difficult character to work with in ritual, but what would I know? I'm a Norseman. In the Norse Tradition, about the only references to music are the Bards who sang in the halls, played instruments and entertained all with their song and stories. But they all pay homage to Odhinn, who among other things, was the God of the Bards and Poetry. At any rate, I found this very interesting and as always, enjoy reading your posts like this. Keep them coming. Your Friend, Benster! P.S. - - But I can relate to Dionysius, he's a lot like Thorr. Eat, Drink and celebrate life!

Hello Benton!

I brought in Lorena McKennit, for me she is one of the great SPIRITS OF MODERN Divine music. This article will go to the Library of My Mission, The Mystery of Life and Creation. Feel the sounds of lyre and harpa, the pulses of universe. This lady is incredible.

Apollo was washipped at Delphi! This was the most sacred palce for all Greeks and the Hellenic colonies.

Very good information you brought in about Norse Mythology. Maybe we should combine all the good sounds to one super article.

Kindly Regards
Georgios

Hi Georgios,

Thanks for sharing your knowledge of Greek mythology!  Your posts are always very detailed (and long!)  Music will always distract and relax other people, in most situations! 

Hello Kathleen!

Thank you for the comments and your very nice Angel graphics. Music gives rhythm  and harmony. GOod sounds can make your day.
Kindly Regards
Georgios