Apollo

In Greek Mythology

Apollo is the Greek God of Prophecy, Medicine, Music, and the Sun. He is the son of Zeus and Leto (the daughter of a Titian) and was born on the island Delos. He is also the twin brother of the Goddess Artemis. Apollo was a gifted musician , and was often said to perform with a lyre (Willis 138). In almost direct contrast to Apollo being the God of Medicine, he was also the patron of archery and his arrows brought disease and pestilence to mortals.

Apollo was also known by the following names:

Delian Apollo: due to the place of his birth (Willis 138).

Pythian Apollo: due to him killing the guardian python at Mount Parnassus (Willis 138).

Phoebus Apollo: when referring to him as the Sun God (Willis 138).

In The Iliad

The Trojans had the favor of Apollo in the Iliad. When the Achaians fail to return Chryseis to her father, Chryses, he prays to Apollo. Apollo then comes down and rains arrows of pestilence on the Achaian army (Wilcox 4). After the Achaians make the proper sacrifices Apollo stops the plague. Apollo entered into the battles of the Iliad on several occasions, always on the side of the Trojans, and usually to protect and give glory to Hector. It was not until Zeus turned his back on Hector that Apollo left the battlefield alone (Apollon).

Apollo also gave the gift of Prophecy to Princess Cassandra, King Priam’s Daughter. He did this in return for Cassandra’s promise to give herself to him. She later reneged on the agreement, and Apollo modified his gift to her; Cassandra would always be able to tell the future, but no one would believe her (Willis 138).

Works Cited

Willis, Roy. World Mythology The Illustrated Guide. London: Duncan Baird Publishers, 1993

Willcock, Malcom. A Companion to the Iliad. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1976

Unknown Author "Apollon" 2002 http://www.messagenet.com/myths/bios/apollon.html