Apollo is the god of the sun and music, and carries a golden lyre and a golden bow and arrow.
Apollo and Artemis were the twin children of Zeus and the nymph Leto. Apollo was as beautiful and radiant as the sun. He was also the god of music and medicine. He was jealous and impetuous in his youth, and made a lot of enemies.
The Greeks prayed to Apollo for good health, and feared him when a plague or other illness hit. He was also thought to be the god of livestock, along with Helios, the god who drove the sun in a chariot across the sky each day. Helios is the god Odysseus’ men anger when they eat his cattle in Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. This mistake delays Odysseus’ voyage home even further and leads to the demise of all of his men.
Apollo is most well-known for killing the Python, which Hera sent after his mother while she was pregnant in revenge for sleeping with her husband Zeus. Apollo is also known for aiding Paris in killing Achilles, by guiding the arrow into his heel. He is routinely angered by the Greeks in Homer’s The Iliad and often takes the Trojans’ side of the battle. Apollo had many lovers, but some of his most well-known children include: Asclepius, Troilus, and Orpheus. Apollo was an amazing lyre player, using the lyre that Hermes made when he stole one of Apollo’s cattle and made it from the cow’s innards and a tortoise.
Zeus and Leto
Apollo is a major god in Greek mythology, known as the god of the sun, music, poetry, prophecy, and healing. He is the son of Zeus and Leto, and the twin brother of Artemis.
Common symbols of Apollo include the lyre, laurel wreath, bow and arrows, and the sun. These represent his roles in music, victory, archery, and light.
Apollo is considered one of the most influential Olympian gods because he embodies many aspects valued by the Greeks, including wisdom, creativity, and health.
Teachers can introduce Apollo by sharing myths, showing pictures of his symbols, and discussing his role among the 12 Olympian Gods. Interactive activities like storytelling or art can enhance learning.
Popular myths involving Apollo include his defeat of the Python, his musical contests with Marsyas, and his guidance as the god of prophecy at Delphi.