Battus (meaning "tongue-tied") was a figure in Greek mythology that pointed to the cattle located at the foot of the mountain where Hermes had stolen it from Apollo, as a consequence, Mercury turned him to stone. He was a young shepherd, who's loyalty was tested by the gods, he was told by Hermes that he would become a rich man if he would keep the theft a secret.

But when Apollo asked him, he told him anyways, which would cost him his life. But this act resulted in Hermes being judged by gods, to avoid punishment, he gifted a lyre to Apollo, He liked it so much that he gave him back a caduseus.