The reconciliation of Hermes with Apollo and the gift-giving that ensues in the Homeric Hymn to Hermes (4), despite involving possessions and titles, ultimately signifies a trading of respect and recognition. Following his birth, Hermes lacks an official rank or sphere of rule and, as a result, must prove himself worthy of acceptance from his divine peers. The method he uses to accomplish this, while sly and deceptive, is acknowledged as being admirable and garners him his initial title as the god of thievery. That Apollo is targeted for the theft is meaningful because, as Hermes' older brother and the god of music, Apollo is in a unique position to give Hermes the esteem he desires in exchange for Hermes' musical invention of the lyre.
Hermes embarks on the escapade to steal Apollo's cattle with the intention of establishing for himself a formal place in the pantheon of Olympian gods. In doing this, he exhibits skill and cleverness which sways Apollo to give Hermes his first domain and the title “leader of thieves” (HH 4.292). Earning this epithet is one of Hermes' aims, as earlier he describes to his mother his longing for a …show more content…
Giving Hermes authority over herd animals is a substantial act of reconciliation, as it was the taking of Apollo's herd of cows that created friction between the brothers in the first place! After hearing Hermes play his song on the lyre he invented, Apollo decides to dismiss the wrongdoing and claims that Hermes' inventions are equivalent in value to the fifty cows that were taken (HH 4.434−437). Apollo praises Hermes' talent and even requests to be taught how to play the lyre, a great compliment to be given from the god of music! (HH 4.450−455). This demonstrates that Apollo sees reason to respect Hermes as an equal, on account of Hermes displaying expertise in a domain which he himself
Hermes embarks on the escapade to steal Apollo's cattle with the intention of establishing for himself a formal place in the pantheon of Olympian gods. In doing this, he exhibits skill and cleverness which sways Apollo to give Hermes his first domain and the title “leader of thieves” (HH 4.292). Earning this epithet is one of Hermes' aims, as earlier he describes to his mother his longing for a …show more content…
Giving Hermes authority over herd animals is a substantial act of reconciliation, as it was the taking of Apollo's herd of cows that created friction between the brothers in the first place! After hearing Hermes play his song on the lyre he invented, Apollo decides to dismiss the wrongdoing and claims that Hermes' inventions are equivalent in value to the fifty cows that were taken (HH 4.434−437). Apollo praises Hermes' talent and even requests to be taught how to play the lyre, a great compliment to be given from the god of music! (HH 4.450−455). This demonstrates that Apollo sees reason to respect Hermes as an equal, on account of Hermes displaying expertise in a domain which he himself