Homeric Hymns
The earliest known theological or spiritual documents concerning Hermes are found in the c. 7th century BC Homeric Hymns. In "Homeric Hymn 4 to Hermes" describes the god's birth and his theft of Apollo's sacred cattle. In this hymn, Hermes is invoked as a god "of many shifts" ("polytropos"), associated with cunning and thievery, but also a bringer of dreams and a night guardian. He is said to have invented the chelys lyre, as well as racing and the sport of wrestling.