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Hymn to Hermes

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Submitted By jonnyrix
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Wise and crafty Hermes, born of Zeus and Maia, lord of Kyllene and Arcadia

Messenger of the gods, wearer of winged sandals and cap, holder of caduceus.
Inventor of musical lyre and pipes, of fire sticks and sacrifice to gods.

Oh Hermes, full of tricks, God of travel, trade, and thievery.
Guider of dead souls to the Underworld
Son of Maia, son and personal herald of Zeus
I hear of your stories, and it brings me laughter and joy.
Herald of the gods, let me reminisce of your past.

Sharp eyed Hermes, son of Zeus, was sent by his father to the region of Argolis in the Peloponnese,
Sent to rescue his father’s lover, Io the nymph, banished by the jealous Hera, wife of Zeus.
Io was guarded by a hundred-eyed giant, Argos Panoptes.

Hermes, cunning and swift, distracted Argos with his music, and assassinated the mighty giant with his sword.
Thus, Hermes earned the name Argeiphontes, Slayer of Argos.

Oh sharp-eyed Hermes, another tale I recant.
The story of a woman comes to mind.
She was created by Hephaestus, son of Hera, as a gift for Epimetheus.
Hermes, Slayer of Argos, provided her the power of speech, putting in her, lies and crafty words, gifted to her a shameful mind and deceitful nature.

After all the gods had gifted attributes to this woman,
Hermes bequeathed a name to her, symbolizing all her gifts: Pandora.
Then Hermes, god of transportation, delivered this first woman to Epimetheus.
Her curiosity was ultimately the bringer of all evils of mankind.

Farewell, Hermes, who brings us luck, forever continue your cunning and trickery.

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