Greek mythology

Apollo

Apollo is one of the most complex and important gods, and is the god of many things, including: music, poetry, art, oracles, archery, plague, medicine, sun, light and knowledge. He is the son of ZEUS and the Titan Leto, and was born in the Greek island of Delos, along with his older twin sister ARTEMIS – goddess of the hunt.

Apollo is the ideal of the kouros, which means he has a beardless, athletic and youthful appearance. He is also an oracular god as a patron of Delphi and could predict prophecy through the Delphic Oracle Pythia.

Both medicine and healing are associated with Apollo and were thought to sometimes be mediated through his son, Asclepius. However, Apollo could also bring ill-health and deadly plague.

Apollo also became associated with dominion over colonists, and as the patron defender of herds and flocks. He was the leader of the Muses (also known as Apollon Musegetes) and was director of their choir – functioning as the patron god of music and poetry.

The god HERMES create the lyre for Apollo and this instrument became a known attribute for him. When hymns were sung to Apollo they were called paeans

At the drinking parties held on Olympus, Apollo accompanied the Muses on his cithara, while the young goddesses led the dance. Both Leto and Zeus were proud of their son, who was radiant with grace and beauty.

Apollo was one of the few gods that the ROMANS KEPT THE SAME NAME. In Greek mythology, he was most widely known as the god of light. Within Roman mythology, he wasn't known as much as the god of light and was focused mainly as the god of healing and prophecy.

Facts about Apollo

Apollo was the son of Leto and Zeus. He was born on the island of Delos.
He and his twin sister Artemis, also an Olympian, shared an aptitude for archery.
His forename, Phoebus, means "bright" or "pure" and connects him to his grandmother, the Titan Phoebe.
Apollo, a masterful magician, was known for delighting Olympus with tunes played on his golden lyre. His lyre, a stringed instrument that resembles a small harp, was made by Hermes.
The nine Muses were companions of his; they were goddesses known for inspiring art and music.
Apollo taught men the art of medicine, so he is often referred to as "The Healer."
Apollo is alternately referred to as the God of Light and the God of Truth.
Apollo served as an intermediary between the gods and men.
Because of his truthfulness and integrity, he was granted the gift of prophecy and oracles.
Apollo defended the oracle at Delphi against Hercules, who was angry at the priestess for having denied him a prophecy.
Apollo killed a serpent named Python as a result of a contest; it was conquered by a single arrow.

Rules over:    Music, Poetry, Art, Oracles, Archery, Plague, Medicine, Sun, Light and Knowledge

Symbols:    Lyre, Laurel wreath, Python, Raven, Bow and arrows

Children:    Asclepius, Troilus, Aristaeus, Orpheus