APOLLO

GOD OF MUSICBy:Jacob Alman

Background Information• God of Music, Prophesy,

Healing. • Son of Zeus and Leto.• He played the lyre.• He won many musical contests

for his skill on the lyre.• Weapon of choice was the

arrows.• When somebody died, it was

said that he/she was struck by Apollo’s arrow.

• He also contributed to the slaying of the almighty Achilles by shooting an arrow into is weak spot known as his Achilles heel.

• Apollo’s twin sister is Artemis.

• Apollo had a love with a mortal, Hecuba, former wife of the king of Troy, Priam.

• Apollo never married.

• But he has fathered over a dozen children.

• Apollo liked to grab his chariot, attached to four horses and ride the sun along the sky.

• Like his dad, Apollo had many love affairs with many women.

• He also had a relationship with a man, Hyacinthus.

• Apollo’s first feat was when he rid Pytho of of the dragon Python with his bow and arrows.

• Apollo is described as a clean shaven, good – looking, young man.

Apollo’s Weapons/Objects

Apollo’s Arrows

Apollo used his arrows in defense. If someone died, it was implied, among the people, that they were struck by one of Apollo’s arrows. Apollo also used them to slay Achilles.

Apollo’s Lyre

Apollo was famed for his composition on the Lyre. He didn’t invent the instrument though. He won many musical contests for his skill.

Homeric Hymn to Hermes

One day, a young, mischievous Hermes went to Apollo’s house and stole his oxen. Hermes was always known for his tactics at being a trickster. Apollo was unaware considering it was behind his back. Eventually becoming aware of who stole it, Apollo traveled up Mount Cyllene to recover them from the clever infant.

Hermes was awaiting for the confrontation that was about to come. As it goes, Hermes had recently invented the Lyre. A trade had been brought up. If Apollo would let Hermes keep his oxen, then the new instrument was his. And so it happened. Apollo was now a proud owner of the first Lyre.

Apollo turned out to be a great Lyre player. People were astounded with his talent. He won many music contests throughout the land. This trade also effected the invention of the Harp, Violin, Guitar and other string instruments.

Works CitedSkidmore, Joel. “Apollo.” MythWeb. 2010. Fleet Gazelle. 25 March 2010.. http://www.mythweb.com/gods/Apollo.html

“Apollo.” GreekMythology. 2010. 26 March 2010.

http://www.greekmythology.com/Olympians/Apollo/apollo.html

“Apollo.” LinsDomain. 29 March 2010.

http://www.linsdomain.com/gods&goddesses/apollo.htm