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Apollo (Ἀπόλλων) was the Greek god of music, arts, healing, plague, prophecy, and archery and was the patron of herdsmen and shepherds. He was the son of Zeus and Leto and twin to his sister Artemis. Apollo was one of the most important gods in the Greek pantheon and was worshipped for his many different qualities.
Apollo was often depicted as a handsome young man with long hair and a bow and arrow. He was also associated with the sun and he was often depicted driving a chariot across the sky. Apollo was a complex and multifaceted god who was worshipped throughout the Greek world.
Born on Delos
Apollo was born on the island of Delos to Zeus and Leto. While pregnant, his mother was pursued by Hera, Zeus' wife, and forced to give birth to Apollo and Artemis on Delos. Though they were born prematurely, they were both immediately able to walk and talk.
Myths and Legends
Apollo's myths are rich with tales of love, loss, and divine intervention. He famously pursued the nymph Daphne, who transformed into a laurel tree to escape him. The laurel became sacred to Apollo, and he is often depicted wearing a laurel wreath.
His most famous role is as the patron of the Oracle of Delphi. The Pythia, in a trance-like state, delivered Apollo's prophecies, which were sought by rulers, philosophers, and ordinary citizens alike.
The story of Apollo and Hyacinthus is a tragic tale of love and loss. Hyacinthus, a beautiful Spartan youth, was accidentally killed by Apollo with a discus. From his blood sprang the hyacinth flower.
Apollo also played a role in the Trojan War, siding with the Trojans and using his archery skills to aid them.
Apollo was a very powerful god with many different talents and abilities. As the inventor of string-music, he was a skilled musician and singer. He was also a talented artist, craftsman, and archer; could see the future; and was able to bring upon disease and cure diseases and injuries, as he saw fit.
Apollo was worshipped throughout the Greek world and had many temples and shrines. His most famous temple was the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, which was a major center of pilgrimage in the ancient world. Apollo was also worshipped in Rome, where he was identified with the Roman god Apollo, and was the only God to share the same name between Greece and Rome.