Topic Archive

Myths about Mount Cyllene

Explore myths connected by the recurring theme of Mount Cyllene across cultures, characters, and sacred places.

2 myths currently featured for Mount Cyllene.

Tiresias’ Encounter with the Mating Snakes and Gender Transformation

🏛️ Greek MythologyMount Cyllene (Kyllini), GreeceTiresias • Zeus • Hera

While walking on the slopes of Mount Cyllene, the young man Tiresias encountered two mating serpents and struck them with his staff, causing him to instantly transform into a woman. After living seven years in this new form, he encountered the same snakes again and struck them a second time to regain his male identity. This unique experience later led him to be the only mortal capable of...

Hermes’ Theft of Apollo’s Cattle as an Infant

🏛️ Greek MythologyMount Cyllene (Kyllini), GreeceHermes • Apollo • Maia

On the day of his birth on Mount Cyllene, the infant god Hermes escaped his cradle to steal fifty sacred cows from his brother Apollo. He cleverly hid their tracks by making them walk backward and inventing giant brushwood sandals for himself. The myth concludes with the invention of the lyre and a diplomatic resolution between the brothers on Mount Olympus.