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Jun 7, 2024 · Apollo, in Greco-Roman mythology, a deity of manifold function and meaning, one of the most widely revered and influential of all the ancient Greek and Roman gods. The son of Zeus and Leto, he was the god of crops and herds and the primary deity of the Delphic oracle.
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Apollo is one of the Olympian deities in classical Greek and Roman religion and Greek and Roman mythology. Apollo has been recognized as a god of archery, music and dance, truth and prophecy, healing and diseases, the Sun and light, poetry, and more.
- Apollo’s Role
- Apollo's Biography
- Apollo - Greek God of Music
- Apollo’s Ill-Fated Love Affairs
- Apollo: Myths and Hidden Truths
- Embracing Apollo's Lessons in Our Lives: Finding Harmony and Balance
- Apollo Sources
Apollo's Name
The origin of the name Apollo is still not properly understood. Many Greeks seem to have supposed that it stands for “destroyer,” but this was only one of the many suggestions (“redemptory,” “purifier,” “assembler,” “stony”). Modern scholars disagree with most of them, with the majority linking Apollo’s name to the Greek word apella which means “a sheepfold,” and which may suggest that Apollo was originally merely a protector of the flocks and herds.
Apollo's Portrayal and Symbolism
However, in time, he evolved to become a multifaceted god adored all over Greece as the perfectly developed classical male nude, the kouros. Beardless and athletically built, he is often depicted with a laurel crown on his head and either a bow and arrow or a lyre and plectrum in his hands. The sacrificial tripod – representing his prophetic powers – was another common attribute of Apollo, just as few animals linked with the god in various myths: wolf, dolphin, python, mouse, deer, swan.
Apollo's Epithets
Apollo was in charge of so many things that, naturally, even his more famous epithets are numerous. As a sun god, he was called “Phoebus,” or “bright.” As a prophet, the Greeks called him “Loxias,” or “The One Who Speaks Crookedly.” As the god of music, he was known as the “Leader of the Muses.” Finally, the placesof Apollo’s birth and worship adorned him with three other appellations: “Delian,” “Delphic,” and “Pythian.”
Apollo's Birth
Apollo is the son of Zeus and Leto. As one of the numerous Zeus’s lovers, his mother incurred the wrath of Hera, who sent the dragon Python to pursue Leto throughout all lands and forbade her to give birth anywhere on solid earth. Nobody would accept the pregnant Titaness, except for the island of Delos, where Leto first delivered Artemis while balancing her body on an olive branch. Afterward, Artemishelped her mother deliver Apollo as well.
The Slaying of Python
Fed exclusively with nectar and ambrosia, in merely four days Apollo grew strong and hungry for revenge. So, he went straight away to Parnassus where Python lived, and wounded the monster with his arrows. Python managed to escape and shelter itself at Gaea’s ancient sanctuary in Delphi. Apollo was so enraged that he dared to violate the sanctity of the site by staining it with Python’s blood. Zeus ordered Apollo to cleanse himself, after which he returned to Delphiand claimed the shrine to hi...
The day he was born, Hermes invented the lyre and stole Apollo’s cattle. So as to appease his older brother after he found out what happened, Hermesoffered Apollo his new invention. Ever since then, the lyre became one of Apollo’s most famous attributes, and its most celebrated master.
Apollo was loved by both gods and humans, women and men; and, more often than not, he loved them back as well. However, as it often happens, the most famous of his love affairs are the ones which didn’t end well.
As we dug deeper into the rich mythology surrounding Apollo, we stumbled upon some common misconceptions and lesser-known facts that often go unnoticed. One widespread myth is that Apollo is the sun god, while in reality, it is Helioswho personifies the sun in Greek mythology. Apollo's association with the sun is a result of his connection to light...
In our journey exploring the mythsand legends of Apollo, we couldn't help but be inspired by the many facets of this fascinating god. We found solace in his harmonious nature, the perfect blend of physical superiority and moral virtue. Our favorite part was delving into the tale of Apollo and Daphne, a story that taught us the value of boundaries a...
Apollo appears throughout most of the Greek literature. Three of the “Homeric Hymns” are dedicated to him: the 21st and the 25th are short ones, but the 3rd is fairly long and beautiful. In Ovid’s “Metamorphoses,” you can find poetic accounts of Apollo’s love affairs with Daphne, Coronis, and Hyacinthus, as well as one of his musical contest with P...
Apr 11, 2023 · Learn about Apollo, the son of Zeus and Leto, and one of the Twelve Olympians. Discover his attributes, domains, symbols, worship, and myths, such as his battle with Python and his oracle at Delphi.
Jul 25, 2019 · Learn about Apollo, the son of Zeus and Leto, and the twin brother of Artemis. Discover his roles in mythology, religion, and culture, from the Trojan War to the oracle of Delphi.
- Mark Cartwright
Dec 8, 2016 · Learn about Apollo, the god of many things in Greek mythology, such as poetry, art, archery, plague, sun, light and knowledge. Discover his origins, legends, family, appearance and symbols.
Apollo, Most widely revered of the Greek gods. He communicated the will of his father Zeus, made humans aware of their guilt and purified them of it, presided over religious and civil law, and foretold the future.
