Apollo is the Greek God of the Sun, amongst many other associations. He is the son of Zeus and Leto, and twin brother to Artemis.
The etimology of his name is somewhat unknown. Various interpretations include 'fence for animals', 'redemption', 'to destroy', 'purification', and 'hunter'. With so many possible interpretations, it is difficult to glean much about his associations from his name alone. When the Roman's invaded England, many of the Gods worshipped their were twinned with Apollo, such was his importance, such as 'Apollo Granus' (Granus being a Celtic God of healing), and 'Apollo Belenus' (Belenus being a Celtic sun God).
Apollo is said to have had many lovers and several children, and was known as the most beautiful of the Gods. He had relations with all of the muses for he could not pick between them. Others he is said to have lain with include Hecate, the Thessalian princess Cyrene (who he later transformed into a nymph), another princess named Rhoeo, and at least two daughters of Poseidon. He also had several male lovers, including a shepherd named Branchus, and the King of Pharae who was named Admetus.
He was the patron God of Delphi, and as such was also a God of prophecies. Oracular shrines to him could be found across ancient Greece, each with the ability to divine the future in a multitude of ways. In Didyma it is said that Preists would drinks the waters from a healing spring to receive 'inspiration', and in another it is said that divinations were made based on the movements of an image of Apollo that stood there. There are several different tales relating to how Apollo became the God of Delphi. In one, his Grandmother, Phoebe, gave him the shrine of Delphi as a birthday present. In another, it was said that he spotted a boat of merchants or pirates and bought them to Delphi, ordaining them as Priests and gaining their worship. He was in part raised by the Thriae, who encouraged his prohetic abilities.
The etimology of his name is somewhat unknown. Various interpretations include 'fence for animals', 'redemption', 'to destroy', 'purification', and 'hunter'. With so many possible interpretations, it is difficult to glean much about his associations from his name alone. When the Roman's invaded England, many of the Gods worshipped their were twinned with Apollo, such was his importance, such as 'Apollo Granus' (Granus being a Celtic God of healing), and 'Apollo Belenus' (Belenus being a Celtic sun God).
Apollo is said to have had many lovers and several children, and was known as the most beautiful of the Gods. He had relations with all of the muses for he could not pick between them. Others he is said to have lain with include Hecate, the Thessalian princess Cyrene (who he later transformed into a nymph), another princess named Rhoeo, and at least two daughters of Poseidon. He also had several male lovers, including a shepherd named Branchus, and the King of Pharae who was named Admetus.
He was the patron God of Delphi, and as such was also a God of prophecies. Oracular shrines to him could be found across ancient Greece, each with the ability to divine the future in a multitude of ways. In Didyma it is said that Preists would drinks the waters from a healing spring to receive 'inspiration', and in another it is said that divinations were made based on the movements of an image of Apollo that stood there. There are several different tales relating to how Apollo became the God of Delphi. In one, his Grandmother, Phoebe, gave him the shrine of Delphi as a birthday present. In another, it was said that he spotted a boat of merchants or pirates and bought them to Delphi, ordaining them as Priests and gaining their worship. He was in part raised by the Thriae, who encouraged his prohetic abilities.
Another association of Apollo was healing; in fact, many of his oracular shrines boasted springs, and springs are often associated with healing and the ability to ward off evil. In one tale, he slays the serpent Python, and he was also a key figure in defeating the Titans when they tried to usurp Zeus. However, he was also said to bring disease and illness which he would inflict on people by shooting them with his arrows, such as the plague he inflicted upon the Greeks during the Trojan war. Another tale which shows the darker side of this God involves Niobe, the Queen of Thebes. She openly mocks Leto (Apollo's mother), and further mocks Apollo and his 'effeminate' appearance. As punishment, Apollo kills her sons and Artemis her daughters.
It was said that he was a protector to the young, and he is often depicted with long hair to symbolise his youth. Education was gifted by Apollo, and he fostered and taught many youngsters. These include the centaur Chiron who he taught medicine, and Idmon and Carnus to whom he taught the art of seeing.
Alongside Poseidon, he was known as the patron and protector of sailors. He would often guide sailors through vicious storms, or use his bow and arrow to guide them to land.
He is also known as the God of music, songs, poetry, and dance. It is said that he is the creator of stringed instruments, and is often depicted with a lyre. In fact, there are several tales of others how believed they could best his musical skill and challenging him to competitions with their instruments. Apollo won every time. He would often lead the muses in song and dance at celebrations.
Finally, he was also associated with shepherding, protecting flocks and crops, and also encouraged the building of new towns and public places.
Apollo is a God with many associations, and therefore has a lot of symbolisms. Swans, wolves, and ravens are all connected with him, as is the sun, the lyre, the laurel and the cypress tree, and bows and arrows. He is a great God to call upon to help cleanse you of, and protect you from evil, to bring healing, and to guide you in your divinations. Honour him with music, and poetry, and dance, and anything which makes your own heart sing.
It was said that he was a protector to the young, and he is often depicted with long hair to symbolise his youth. Education was gifted by Apollo, and he fostered and taught many youngsters. These include the centaur Chiron who he taught medicine, and Idmon and Carnus to whom he taught the art of seeing.
Alongside Poseidon, he was known as the patron and protector of sailors. He would often guide sailors through vicious storms, or use his bow and arrow to guide them to land.
He is also known as the God of music, songs, poetry, and dance. It is said that he is the creator of stringed instruments, and is often depicted with a lyre. In fact, there are several tales of others how believed they could best his musical skill and challenging him to competitions with their instruments. Apollo won every time. He would often lead the muses in song and dance at celebrations.
Finally, he was also associated with shepherding, protecting flocks and crops, and also encouraged the building of new towns and public places.
Apollo is a God with many associations, and therefore has a lot of symbolisms. Swans, wolves, and ravens are all connected with him, as is the sun, the lyre, the laurel and the cypress tree, and bows and arrows. He is a great God to call upon to help cleanse you of, and protect you from evil, to bring healing, and to guide you in your divinations. Honour him with music, and poetry, and dance, and anything which makes your own heart sing.