by Lynda Lampert

Created on: October 31, 2008

Origins

Apollo is one of the best know and most revered gods of the ancient Greek pantheon. His origins, however, are shadowed in the mists of time. There is some conjecture that the actual name Apollo is derived from such words as "simple", "god of light", and "to destroy" in ancient Greek and related languages. It is also thought that there may be some connection with a Babylonian sun god. It is all conjecture. No one knows for certain.

In the Greek religions, Apollo was not a sun god; he was a god of arts among many other things. The Romans converted most of the Greek gods to Roman names. It is under the Romans that Apollo regains his connection with the sun. Apollo was also the only god of the Greeks to maintain a non-Latinized name.

Apollo's first mention in history is by Homer during the Trojan War. He developed one of his first assignments as the god of plagues during this period. Paradoxically, he was also the god of healing. From Homer's writings onward, Apollo evolved and became something larger than he was ever intended to be.

In time, Apollo developed specialties in music for the songs sung to him and victory for his exploits of arms and assistance of Greek warriors. He managed to become all things to all peoples, and this may explain his staying power. He is also associated with oracles and the muses of the arts. He is, indeed, a man many talents.

Biography

Apollo led the mythological life of an Olympic rock star and was one of the most powerful gods. He was born of the union between Zeus and the goddess Leto. Zeus, the father of the gods, was married to the much maligned Hera. Her very justified jealousy caused her to try every means available to a powerful goddess to stop the birth of this illegitimate child. She tried banishing Leto, capturing the goddess of childbirth, and anything else she could think of.

She failed, and Leto gave birth to twins, Artemis and Apollo. Four days later, Apollo slew a dragon, but this is only the beginning of his superstar life. It is from this incident that Apollo is known for the bow and arrow. It was this weapon that gave him victory and saved his mother from Hera's assassination attempt. Artemis and Apollo also defeated a giant that was sent to kill Leto with only a little help from Daddy Zeus.

Both men and women were attracted to Apollo, and he did not disappoint them. He never married, but did father many children. The goddess Coronis gave birth to his most famous son Asclepius. Unfortunately, this child was killed

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