Chapter 4, Olympians Summary and Analysis

Hermes is born to Maia. The little deity was quickly up to mischief, possibly because his ethical sense had not as yet developed. He stole a herd of cattle from the god Apollo, and he covered the tracks to disguise this fact. It worked, but Apollo sought the truth in this matter and eventually he found it. Hermes was called before Zeus because of this. The child god was in luck; he was chastised and the situation was corrected, but he was spared any harsh penalty for his actions. He exchanged musical instruments of Hermes's invention with Apollo in trade for the cattle. Hermes is also credited with the first animal sacrifices: he had to sacrifice enough to include himself among the divine, and this worked. Zeus insists that he give up lying. Hermes agrees, but admits that he...