Apollo is one of the most important gods of Greek mythology. He is associated with prophecy, music, poetry, healing, disease, archery, purification and divine order.
Apollo is the son of Zeus and Leto and the twin brother of Artemis.
Birth
According to major traditions, Leto struggled to find a place where she could give birth because of Hera’s hostility. The island of Delos eventually became the sacred birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Delphi
Apollo became especially famous as the god of prophecy at Delphi. According to myth, he defeated the serpent Python and established his authority over the sanctuary.
The oracle at Delphi became one of the most prestigious religious institutions of the ancient Greek world.
Music and Poetry
Apollo is strongly associated with music and poetic inspiration. The lyre became one of his principal attributes, and he was closely linked with the Muses.
Healing and Disease
Apollo possesses a dual relationship with health. He can bring healing and purification, but myths also depict his arrows spreading disease or plague.
Archery
Apollo is one of the great divine archers of Greek mythology. His arrows can function as weapons of punishment, sudden death or supernatural disease.
Solar Association
In early Greek religion Apollo and Helios were distinct gods. Over time, especially in later literary and philosophical traditions, Apollo became increasingly associated with the sun.
Worship
Delphi and Delos were among Apollo’s most important sacred centers. His cult spread throughout the Greek world and beyond, and he became a major god of prophecy, purification and civic religion.
