At Zeus’ order, Hermes instructed Earth to allow humans to live and work.
Chambry (Hermes and Earth)
Note: The Chambry collection is published in Greek. AI was used to translate the Greek to this text:
Zeus, after fashioning a man and a woman, ordered Hermes to lead them upon the Earth and show them where they should dig to make a cave. When Hermes carried out the order, the Earth at first resisted. But as Hermes insisted, saying that Zeus had commanded it, she said: “Well then, let them dig as much as they please; for though they will groan and weep, they will give it back.”
How do you think an AI might simplify this fable? Here is one answer, and the illustration above was made from this simplification:
The Cave and the Debt
Once, Zeus shaped the first man and woman out of clay and commanded Hermes to guide them down to Earth. “Here,” said Zeus, “they will find shelter and make a place of their own.” When they reached Earth, they asked to dig a cave to dwell in. But Earth frowned and said: “Why should I let you wound me for your comfort?” Hermes gently replied, “It is Zeus who commands it.” At this, Earth sighed and yielded, saying: “Very well. Let them hollow me out as much as they wish. But remember—what they take from me, they will someday return, with tears and lamentation.” And so it was. The man and woman dug their cave and rejoiced in their home. But when they died, their bodies were laid back into the same earth they had taken. What they borrowed, they could never keep.
Moral
What we seize from nature, or from others, we repay in the end, though we grieve to let it go.
Perry. #102