Apollo, << uh POL oh, >> was a major god in Greek mythology. He was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and the goddess Leto. The goddess Artemis was Apollo’s twin.
Apollo probably originated in Asia Minor (now part of Turkey). At one time, he was known as a god of shepherds. Apollo also became associated with archery, healing, music, poetry, prophecy, purification, and seafaring. Under the name Phoebus Apollo, he became the god of light. He was also considered the god of the sun. Only Zeus was more widely worshiped than Apollo.
Apollo killed a dragon named Python at Delphi and established his temple there. The Greeks believed Apollo foretold the future through an oracle (prophet) at Delphi. Temple priests asked questions of this oracle, an elderly woman named the Pythia, who responded in the words of Apollo. The priests interpreted her responses. Delphi became the greatest of Apollo’s many oracles throughout the ancient world. See Delphi; Oracle.
The Greeks sometimes blamed Apollo and Artemis for sudden deaths. They killed the children of Niobe, queen of Thebes, who had boasted that she had more children and was superior to Leto (see Niobe).
Apollo was unsuccessful in many of his love affairs. For example, he loved the nymph Daphne, but she fled from him. When Apollo was finally about to catch her, Daphne called out for help and was changed into a laurel tree (see Daphne). Apollo also loved Coronis, a mortal woman. But Coronis was unfaithful, and either Apollo or Artemis killed her and her lover.
The Romans worshiped Apollo primarily as a god of healing and prophecy. His influence increased when the Roman emperor Augustus made him his patron (protector). In art, Apollo is depicted as a beardless young man, the Greek ideal of male beauty. He is often shown with a bow or lyre.
