Origins of Apollo
The there seem to be no solid origins as to Apollo's name, which later helped to dictate his nature and powers. In the Greek tongue, his name sounded similar to phrases such as "to destroy", "ever-shooting", and "purification". His legends began in Greece, Delphi, and the island of Delos. His current image evolved from representing inspection, symbols, and omens.
Weaknesses and Character Traits
As he had the image of a fun-loving, youthful boy, Apollo had a weakness for women and often got into trouble because of it. He was an amorous god, courting many ladies, mortals and immortals alike. As well-meaning as he may have been, Apollo did not always have the best luck with this practice. In the many relationships that he pursued, only a few were successful. Apollo was a music-loving character as well, and was rarely seen without his lyre.
Powers and DomainAs well as being the god of oracles, Apollo was a patron of the sun, music, and healing. As a god of music, he had the ability to play any instrument, although he favored the lyre over most. He has the ability to see the future, earning him the title of oracle. Apollo could heal as well-- but another legend contrasts this dramatically, saying that the arrows he shot brought plague and destruction. Eventually, Apollo also earned the privilege of driving the sun across the sky each day in a horse-drawn chariot.
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Twins of Moon and Sun
According to legend, Apollo and his twin sister Artemis, the huntress, were borne on the small island of Delos, from the nymph Leto. Zeus had fathered them both. Upon finding that Leto was pregnant, one of Zeus's other wives, Hera, became jealous and forbade the pregnant one from giving birth on "terra firma". In turn, Leto found an island that was not officially earth and delivered her children there. After this, the island was sent to the bottom of the sea by Zeus.
Another legend holds that Hera had instead held the goddess of childbirth, Eileithya, to prevent Leto from bearing her children. Sympathetic, the other gods convinced Hera to release Eileithya for a necklace of precious stones. In this version, Artemis was birthed on an island called Ortygia. A day later Leto traveled to Delos and bore Apollo.
Another legend holds that Hera had instead held the goddess of childbirth, Eileithya, to prevent Leto from bearing her children. Sympathetic, the other gods convinced Hera to release Eileithya for a necklace of precious stones. In this version, Artemis was birthed on an island called Ortygia. A day later Leto traveled to Delos and bore Apollo.
The Slaying of the Serpent
When he was only four days old, Apollo went forth to kill the earth dragon Python. The serpent had been sent by the goddess Hera (the same who had attempted to stop the twins' birth a few days ago) to kill Leto. He chased the dragon up a mountain and killed it with a bow and arrows.
As Python was a child of Gaia, the earth goddess, this deed could not go unpunished. Apollo was sent to work for the mortal king Admetus as a cowherd for nine years.
As Python was a child of Gaia, the earth goddess, this deed could not go unpunished. Apollo was sent to work for the mortal king Admetus as a cowherd for nine years.
The Pursuit of Daphne
Later on in his life, Apollo tried to court the river nymph Daphne. Eros, the god of love, caused Daphne to be put off by the amorous young sun god, however, and fled from his advances. Eventually, she became so frustrated by Apollo's determination that she asked her father, the river god Peneus, for assistance. He heard her prayer, and responded, although not exactly in the way she had been hoping for... When Apollo saw her next, he attempted to embrace her-- only to have the nymph transform into a laurel tree. Greatly distressed, Apollo made the plant his sacred tree, so that he would always remember the lovely river nymph Daphne.