Inventions by Hermes
In Greek mythology, Hermes was the messenger among the gods; however, he took on many other roles as well. For example, he was the patron of travelers, shepherds and thieves. He was also an athletic individual, and he sought to protect humans who demonstrated that same athletic prowess. Hermes had brains to go along with his brawn. Armed with an ingenious personality, the great messenger brought forth numerous inventions.
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Musical Instruments
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Apollo was the god of music; however, Hermes had several musical contributions as well. He used a hollow turtle shell and intestines from Apollo's oxen to create the first lyre. He later fashioned the syrinx, a type of panpipe, from reeds -- a feat which some stories attribute to Pan, one of Hermes' descendants. These inventions impressed Apollo, and he received them from Hermes.
Sports
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As the god of athletics, Hermes receives credit for teaching humans wrestling, boxing and other fighting arts. He invented forms of racing, which coincides with his role as a swift messenger. He is also the god of gymnastics, which was prominent in Greek culture. Gymnasium statues throughout Greece honored Hermes.
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The Alphabet
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Sometimes Hermes receives partial credit for being the god of language. Hermes invented writing by establishing the written alphabet. He was the god of merchants, who needed a writing system to keep inventory. However, without Mnemosyne, goddess of memory, no one would be able to recall the letters.
The Calendar and Numbers
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Hermes was the god of the calendar, astronomy and astrology; although, according to Theoi Greek Mythology, Aphrodite established constellations and taught Hermes how to view them. Another story suggests that Atlas, Hermes's grandfather, taught Hermes astronomy. As the god of commerce and gambling, Hermes invented merchandising profit and dice. He also invented systems of measures and weights along with numbers.
Fire and Olive Trees
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As an infant, Hermes created fire and fire sticks, although mythology commonly associates it with Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to the humans. Without Hermes there would be no olives; he receives credit for the cultivation of the olive tree. The olive tree later became a symbol of Athena, goddess of wisdom.
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References
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