The VERY Messed Up Origins™ of Apollo, God of Light and Music | Mythology Explained - Jon Solo

Jon Solo・2 minutes read

Apollo, a revered god in Greek mythology, was born on Delos, associated with sunlight, archery, and music, facing challenges like the Marsyas contest and romantic failures. Despite his wrath, he was worshipped through sacrifices, festivals, and games, showcasing his varied domains and cultural impact.

Insights

  • Apollo, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, was associated with domains like sunlight, archery, prophecy, and music, showcasing a diverse range of abilities and interests.
  • Despite his numerous successes and talents, Apollo's life was marked by romantic failures and instances of wrath, revealing a complex and multifaceted character prone to both love and vengeance.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Apollo in Greek mythology?

    Apollo is a highly revered god associated with sunlight, archery, prophecy, and music, known for his birth on the island of Delos and his brutal contest with the satyr Marsyas.

  • What is the story of Apollo and Daphne?

    Apollo fell in love with the nymph Daphne due to Cupid's interference, causing her to transform into a laurel tree to escape his pursuit, still loved by Apollo in her new form.

  • How did the hyacinth flower come to be?

    The hyacinth flower sprouted from the blood of Hyacinthos, accidentally killed by Apollo during a discus game due to Zephyrus' interference.

  • What is the tale of Apollo and Coronis?

    Apollo impregnated Coronis, who cheated on him with a mortal, leading to her death by Apollo or Artemis, with Apollo saving their unborn child, Asclepius.

  • How did Apollo become associated with medicine?

    Apollo's connection to medicine is attributed to siring Asclepius, who excelled in healing arts and was resurrected by Zeus as the god of healing arts.

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Summary

00:00

Apollo: Greek god of music, prophecy, sunlight

  • Apollo is a highly revered god in Greek mythology, with numerous references in modern culture like the Apollo theater, NASA's Apollo missions, and various TV shows and comics.
  • Apollo's birth, along with his twin sister Artemis, was a result of Zeus's affair with the titan Leto, who faced challenges due to Hera's curse and a serpent named Python.
  • Apollo's birth took place on the island of Delos, where he was born under an olive tree after Leto made a deal with the island.
  • Apollo quickly grew into a youth and became associated with various domains like sunlight, archery, prophecy, and music, with myths explaining his connection to each.
  • Apollo's mastery of the lyre, an instrument invented by his half-brother Hermes, led to a brutal contest with a satyr named Marsyas, resulting in Apollo flaying Marsyas alive as punishment.
  • Despite his successes, Apollo faced numerous romantic failures, including his unrequited love for the nymph Daphne, who was repulsed by him due to Cupid's interference.
  • Cupid's golden arrow caused Apollo to fall in love with Daphne, who ran from him until she transformed into a laurel tree to escape his pursuit.

11:20

Apollo: God of Healing and Vengeance

  • Daphne, transformed into a laurel tree by her river god father after praying for escape from Apollo's pursuit, was still loved by Apollo in her new form.
  • The hyacinth flower sprouted from the blood of Hyacinthos, killed accidentally by Apollo during a discus game due to Zephyrus' interference.
  • Apollo impregnated Coronis, who cheated on him with a mortal, leading to her death by Apollo or Artemis, with Apollo saving their unborn child, Asclepius.
  • Asclepius, raised by Apollo and Chiron, excelled in healing arts, angering Aries and Hades, resulting in Zeus striking him down and Apollo seeking revenge.
  • Zeus resurrected Asclepius as the god of healing arts, attributing Apollo's connection to medicine to siring Asclepius.
  • Apollo, as punishment for killing Iphitus' craftsman, served King Admetus for a year, forming a close bond and saving Admetus' life by getting the Fates drunk.
  • Apollo, with Artemis, avenged Leto by killing Tityos and Niobe's children, and after attempting to overthrow Zeus, was sent to build Troy's walls, later punishing Laomedon.
  • Apollo's wrath was severe, causing disease and sea monster attacks on Troy, showcasing his vengeful nature when dishonored.
  • Apollo's widespread worship in ancient Greece included annual sacrifices, festivals, and the Pythian games at Delphi, where contestants honored him through various arts and athletic contests.
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