Apollo: The Twelve Roman Gods

I. Family of Apollo

Apollo was one of the twelve Roman gods/goddesses who resided on mount Olympus. Jupiter (Zeus), the king of the gods was his father and Latona (Leto), the god of motherhood, was his mother. He was also a twin and his elder twin sister was Diana (Artemis), who was the god of the hunt. In addition to this, Apollo had four children: Asclepius (the god of healing), Orpheus (a great musician), and the two heroes Troilus and Aristaeus.

II. Apollo, the God of Music, the Sun, and Prophecy

Apollo is often known as the god of music, but he is also the god of the sun, medicine/healing, prophecy, oracles, plague, light, truth, and knowledge. He is famous for playing a lyre (a “u-shaped, harp-like instrument) and was the leader of the Muses. Muses were gods who specialized in arts and sciences. Apollo also participated in many music competitions against other gods and goddesses. Apollo, when he was an infant, was given by Zeus the gift of prophecy. Apollo was also the guardian of the Greek city Delphi. The first oracle of Greece was located in Delphi. Apollo was also considered to be a god of the sun, as he had the important task of moving the sun across the sky everyday with his chariot.

III.

Symbols of Apollo

Apollo is the god of music, and one of his main symbols is the lyre, which is an instrument similar to a harp. The lyre was actually invented by Mercury (Hermes), the messenger of the gods. Apollo was represented by wolf, raven, and lizard; these were his sacred animals. Firstly, the wolf is a symbol of loyalty or custody. Apollo was the patron of the city Delphi. Secondly, the raven is somewhat associated with the future and wisdom; Apollo was the god of prophecy. Lastly, the lizard is related to survival and regeneration, and Apollo was the god of

medicine.

IV. Apollo’s Battle with Python
Python was a monstrous creature that lived on Mount Parnassus (a mountain located in Greece). Juno (Hera), who was Jupiter’s wife, jealously sent Python to go after Latona (Leta), who was another one of Jupiter’s admirers, so that Latona was unable to give birth (to Apollo and Diana). Jupiter (Zeus) did not want something terrible to happen to Latona, so he turned her into a quail (a common bird). Latona then gave birth to Apollo and Diana. Apollo had grown to be a very strong and healthy boy when he was only four years old. Vulcan (Hephaestus), the blacksmith of the gods, had crafted a magnificent silver bow accompanied with golden arrows. This inspired Apollo to set out and destroy Python in revenge for its cruelty. No sooner had Apollo set out on a journey to seek revenge for his mother. When he arrived at the cave of Python, he battled the infuriated Python, which he managed to kill with the piercing of one of his arrows. Triumphantly, he played his lyre, and spread happiness to the people. Apollo then officially became the god of music. After he proudly played his lyre, Apollo took the body of Python and buried it on Mount Parnassus, where he then Delphi. During this though, Apollo had committed a crime. Therefore, under the laws of Mount Olympus, it was necessary for him to be purified. Zeus then instructed Apollo to establish what is known as the Pythian Games. This was a venue for competitions in sports and music. From then on, every four years the Pythian Games were held to celebrate Apollo and his bravery.
Works Cited
“Greek Stories about Apollo-Apollo's Fight with the Monstrous Python.” Greek Gods, 20 Nov. 2016, greek-gods.info/greek-gods/apollo/myths/apollo-python/.

“Greek God Apollo, the God of the Sun and the Light in Greek Mythology.” Greek Gods, greek-gods.info/greek-gods/apollo/#apollo_family.

"Apollo." Encyclopedia Mythica. Encyclopedia Mythica, 3 Mar. 1997. Web. 23 Mar. 2018, https://pantheon.org/articles/a/apollo.html

“Apollo • Facts and Information on Greek God of the Sun Apollo.” Greek Gods & Goddesses, greekgodsandgoddesses.net/gods/apollo/.

“☀ Apollo.” Greek Mythology, www.greekmythology.com/Olympians/Apollo/apollo.html.