Why was Hermes covered in stones?

Hermes was covered in stones as a form of punishment or ritual associated with his birth and subsequent actions. In mythology, he was known for his cunning and trickery; after stealing Apollo's cattle, he created the first lyre and offered it to Apollo to appease him. The stones, known as "hermai," were often used as boundary markers and were associated with Hermes, symbolizing his role as a protector of travelers and boundaries. This practice also reflected the duality of Hermes as both a trickster and a guardian.