Apollo - God of the Sun

The History

Apollo, son of the supreme god Zeus and Leto was born, along with his twin sister Artemis, on the Greek islands of Delos. Goddess Themis assisted Zeus and Leto in raising him by feeding him ambrosia, the nectar of the gods.

Apollo was known for the God of light and the Sun, truth and prophecy, healing, plaque, music and poetry.

The Adventures

At only four days after his birth, he demanded a bow and arrows that was created and given by Hephaestus.

He then immediately went in pursuit of the serpent that Hera, Goddess of Olympus, sent to torment his mother, Leto. The serpent, Python, sought refuge at Delphi. Determined not to let the serpent get away, Apollo followed it into the shrine of the Oracle of Mother Earth and slaughtered him.

It is also said that Apollo killed Cyclops, the one-eyed giant, for forging the lightning that killed his son Asclepius.

Appearance

Sought to be the most beautiful, glorious and most handsome amongst all the gods. He was a beardless, young man with curly golden hair.  

Symbols

Most common attributes and symbols:
- Bow + Arrow

- Kithara (advanced version of lyre)

- Plectrum

- Sword

Evolution

In the 1960’s, the name Apollo was given to NASA’s Apollo Lunar Program.

Bibliography

Websites:

- http://am9905d.hubpages.com/hub/Greek-God-Apollo

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/apollo

- http://greek-mythology-gods.com/apollo.html

- http://gogreece.about.com/cs/mythology/a/mythapollo.htm

Books:

- “Greece Mythology” – Library of the world’s Myths and Legends
    John Pinsent
    Published in 1982 by Newnes Books

- "Greece & Rome" - Myths & Legends

    H.A.Guerber

    Published in 1907 by George G. Harrap & Company Ltd