by Cicely Richard

Created on: November 09, 2008   Last Updated: November 22, 2008

As the son of Zeus and Leto, Apollo is one of the major deities in Greek mythology. He is the god of light and the sun, truth, archery, medicine and healing. In addition to being the god of many entities relating to life and justice, he is also the god of the arts, including music, poetry and sculpting. Because he is a god recognized for a variety of qualities, it is not surprising that it is easy to find reflections of the Greek god Apollo in myth and art.

Apollo is often depicted as a handsome young man in art. Most of the time, he is beardless to illuminate his boyish looks, and he carries a bow in his hand while reclining on a tree. Many of the life-size statues of Apollo are also naked, displaying his perfectly toned body. Other works of art do not reveal the Greek god's nakedness. Instead, his body is concealed by a cloak as a way to represent how no man should look at the unclothed body of a god.

Other art pieces go further in reflecting the divinity of Apollo. Not only is he not shown naked, but a halo appears above his head. One particular piece of art was discovered in Rome that dates back to approximately the 2nd century. The floor mosaic shows a young Apollo, dressed in a cloak of either brown or gold. A golden halo is visible about his head. Even his face has a solemn, divine quality to it.

Because Apollo has a prominent place among Greek gods, he plays a major role in a number of Greek myths. His part in the Trojan War plays a significant role in the outcome of that famous battle. According to Greek mythology, Apollo shoots plague-infected arrows into the Greek camp as revenge because Agamemnon's offended Chryses, Apollo's priest. He demands the return of Chryses captured daughter, and Achaeans complies, angering Achilles. As the myth goes, Apollo aids Paris by guiding the arrow toward Achilles' heel. This is the injury that would eventually cause Achilles' death.

The Greek god Apollo also appears in a well-known myth involving Pan. Pan challenges him to a musical contest because Apollo is the god of the kithara. With Tumulus as the judge of the competition, Pan blows his pipes and plays his rustic music. Pan is pleased with his performance, as is his devotee, Midas. Apollo plays his instrument and the judge is satisfied. He is declared the winner. Apollo's ears no longer look like a donkey, and Midas received this affliction.

Apollo is a multifaceted god, a god who is both a lover of arts and a fighter. He is, therefore, the ideal representation of art and deserves the attention he received in mythology. Many of his depictions showcase his superiority over many of the other Greek gods and his confidence in a number of arenas.

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