Significant Stories
Slaying the Python
One of the most feared creatures found in Greece was a serpent Python that lived in the hills in Delphi. It terrorized the citizens and Gods in Greece, and every person who tried to kill it, died. Apollo came off of Mount Olympus with his famous silver bow and golden arrow and shot the serpent in one shot, saving the people in the land. It is said that in remembrance of this deed, Apollo created the Pythian Games held every four years. A similar form of these games today is the Summer Olympics.
Daphne
Apollo is known for trying to woo many women and when his attempts failed, he often would curse the poor woman. His most famous love story began with him mocking Eros, a fellow God. He told Eros that his archery skills were small and insignificant in any way and would never benefit him in war and battle. To prove his worth, Eros shot an arrow at Apollo, making him madly infatuated with a sea nymph named Daphne. He then shot an arrow at Daphne to make her unable to love anyone in return. Apollo pursued Daphne continuously until she called for the help of a river god, who turned her into a laurel tree before Apollo could get to her. To this day, the laurel tree is sacred in the eyes of Apollo.
Hyacinth
Hyacinth was the prince of Sparta and greatly adored Apollo, escpecially for his archery talents. Apollo took an interest in him and began to leave his temples and Mount Olympus to come and visit with the boy. When together, they would play games, Apollo taught him gymnastics (which the Spartans later became well known for) and they enjoyed simple boy-hood pleasures. One summer, the boys began to throw a discus to compete on who could throw it the farthest. Apollo threw it his absolute hardest and Hyacinth ran to catch it, eager for his next turn. The force of the throw made the discus land on the ground, bounce and then land violently in Hyacinth's head. Apollo, loving the boy, cried out "In my heart you will live forever, beautiful Hyacinth. May your memory live always among men as well," after it was clear that he died. From his blood, Apollo formed the Hyacinth flower, whose petals form the word "Ay", the sigh of grief from Apollo.