In Greek mythology, the invention of the lyre is attributed to the god Hermes. According to myth, Hermes crafted the lyre using a tortoise shell shortly after his birth. The instrument became a symbol of music and poetry, representing the harmony and creativity associated with the arts. Hermes gifted the lyre to his brother Apollo, who became a patron of music and the arts, further emphasizing the significance of harmony in Greek culture. The lyre embodies the connection between divine inspiration and human creativity.