A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

The Gods 89
sacrifices chiefly to this god; both they and all others call
fire Hephaestus, to the end that this great good bestowed
upon mankind might be forever remembered, to his eternal
honor and praise.
Ares, they say, first taught the making of all sorts of Ares.
weapons, and how to furnish soldiers both with offensive
and defensive arms, and to fight with courage and resolution,
destroying them all that were enemies to the gods.
To Apollo is attributed the invention of the harp, and Apollo,
that sort of music; and it is said, he discovered the art of
medicine, which is practiced by re^•elation from him, by
which the sick were commonly restored to health : he found
out likewise
the use of the bow, and taught the inhabitants
to shoot; and therefore the Cretans delight much in
shooting, and call the bow Scythicus.
To Hermes they attribute the invention of messages Hermes,
in
times of war by trumpets and heralds, of truces and
leagues; and as a sign they were sent to treat with the
enemy they carried a rod before them; and therefore were
suffered safely to come and go. Hence they were called
the common Hermes, because both sides in the war
enjoyed the common benefit of peace.
They say, he was the first that invented weights and
measures, and the acquisition of wealth by merchandise,
and the way of cheating and cozening of others. He was
accounted the herald of the gods, and the best messenger,
because he was quick and ingenious in declaring particularly
everything he had in command. Whence he was
called Hermes.
II.
Odysseus Visits the Realm of Hades
In his wanderings Odysseus sailed into Oceanus, the stream that
girdles the earth. On its farther side he landed on the shore of Erebus,