Apollo's Role In Greek Mythology

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Apollo is one of the most widely renowned Greek god in ancient history, and one of the few gods to have both the same Greek and Roman name (Apollo). An online article, “Apollo,” said that he started out as the god of herdsmen, and “Apollo's identification as god of music, archery, and medicine came after his oracle was established at Delphi” ( “Apollo”). The article on GaleNet also mentioned that much later, he was commemorated as the god of the sun. Apollo is known for his powers in prophesying and his musical abilities with the lyre, a type of harp. He is also acknowledged as an athlete, particularly an archer, and a healer. He is said to have been the god to teach mortals the art of medicine. Apollo is an amazing character in Greek mythology, Apollo was the standard model for male beauty. He was a beardless, muscular man with a perfect figure. Apollo is often found carrying a lyre, a type of harp, or a bow and arrow, which was his signature weapon. As mentioned before, the oracle at Delphi and the lyre were sacred objects to him. Some of Apollo’s trademark animals are the raven, dolphin, wolf, and hawk. Some other important symbols were the laurel branch and herdsman staff. The laurel branch came from an important myth that is a highlight of Apollo’s Apollo loved Daphne, the daughter of the river god Peneus, but she did not return the same feelings. Therefore, Apollo chased Daphne into the woods, trying persistently to gain her love. Daphne was so scared that she called on her father’s help. Daphne’s father turned her into a laurel tree, so she could avoid Apollo’s affection. Apollo then broke off a branch of the laurel tree to have a symbol to always remind him of his lost lover. It was said that “Thereafter, the laurel tree became sacred to the cult of Apollo, and a laurel wreath became a mark of honor to be given to poets, victors, and winners in athletic contests” ( “Apollo”). This myth implified Apollo’s compassion towards those he loved. His magnifying devotion makes Apollo seem as a being beyond ourselves and one to be celebrated. There were two main festivals that celebrated Apollo’s victory over the Python. Those were the festival Septri and Pythia, which was celebrated every four years. There is also a celebration for Apollo called Thargetia, which is celebrated for the coming of spring yearly. Also, the Romans built their first temple in honor of

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