by Sarah Perryman

Created on: November 19, 2008   Last Updated: January 15, 2009

The Greek God is nearly as famous as his father Zeus, who defeated the Titans (the old gods). Because of his fame and importance to his followers, there are several symbols and attributes which can be instantly associated to him.

The Silver Bow and Arrow:

Chronologically, the first symbol attached to Apollo is the silver bow and arrow. In the legends of his life passed from generation to generation, Apollo shot the serpent Python who had perused and threatened his mother throughout her pregnancy. Though he did not instantly kill Python, he followed her into her cave and slew her with his second shot. This all occurred when he was just a few days old.

The silver bow and arrow follow Apollo into his love life. After finding Eros, more commonly known as Cupid, admiring his bow and arrow they had a small argument. Eros, offended that Apollo chastised him for "playing" with his bow, shot Apollo with his own arrow which caused him to fall in love with Daphne.

Crown of Laurel Leaves:

Daphne, appalled at the thought of Apollo's affections due to a second arrow shot by Eros, begged her father to forbid her to ever marry. After this she ran from Apollo but was finally caught. In her last moments she begged the Mother Earth to save her. She immediately transformed into a Laurel tree.

Heartbroken Apollo tore a branch from this tree and formed a wreath of leaves which he wore on his head. He declared that rulers and victors would always wear a crown of laurels so that Daphne would always be remembers. This is why Greek and Roman rulers and leaders are pictured with leafy crowns and several modern contests, such as the Olympics, still carry on the tradition of crowning the victors with laurels.

The Lyre:

Along with being an excellent marksman with his bow and a passionate lover in mourning, Apollo was a noted musician. His instrument of choice was the lyre or the kithara and he participated in many musical contests.

In one competition with the famed Pan, who played the flute, Apollo played the lyre in such a way as to immediately be declared the winner. Everyone agreed with the decision except King Midas. As his punishment for disagreeing, Apollo gave the king the ears of a donkey. This forced the king to never show his head again.

In another contest with the satyr Marsyas, Apollo did not instantly win and a tie was declared. To break the tie, Apollo suggested that they sing as the played knowing that the satyr could not do this since he played the flute. After winning, Apollo skinned Marsyas and hung his hide from a tree.

Apollo's Golden Chariot:

One of the most important symbols of Apollo is his Golden Chariot. Apollo, being the Sun God, is charged with pulling the sun across the sky. This act meant life for the ancient Greeks since their health, crops, and prosperity depended on this act.

This also relates to his connection with the healing arts. He earned names such as the "benefactor of mankind" thorough his healing deeds. He even raised his beloved son to become the "father of the healing arts."

Animal Symbols:

Often depicted in sculptures and paintings of Apollo are wolves, deer, and swans. These animals were symbols of music and were often sacrificed in his honor. Also sacrificed were hawks, crows, ravens, and snakes. These represented Apollo's connection with prophecy.

Generally, Apollo is pictured as an everlasting youth with no beard and a very healthy stature. He is the epitome of health and is known for his generosity as well as his jealousy.

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