Carrying on with our series on Greek god symbols, we will be examining Apollo, the Greek god of sun, music, and healing today. Here is everything you need to know about Apollo, also known as Apollon, his family tree, symbols, sacred animals, and plants.
Who is Apollo in Greek Mythology?
In Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of the sun, music, poetry, healing, truth, archery, dance, music, and prophecy. He was often depicted as a beardless young man with a halo above his head or wearing a laurel crown in memory of his lost love, Daphne.
As he was known as the god of oracles and prophecy, he was believed to play a powerful role in shaping the course of events in ancient Greece. He also played a key role in the religious life of the Greeks, and many temples were dedicated to him.
Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi, perhaps the most famous one in ancient Greece, was an oracle in the Temple of Apollo.
Apollo has been adopted by Romans, too, therefore, he went by the same name in Roman mythology. That being said, some people believe that Apollo’s counterpart in Roman mythology was Phoebus.
Apollo’s Family Tree – Who Are Apollo’s Parents and Siblings?
Zeus and Leto are the parents of Apollo. Leto is the daughter of the Titans Coeus and Phoebe, while Zeus is the son of Cronus and Rhea, another pair of Titans who had several other children that became Olympian gods.
The Greek goddess of the hunt and wildlife, Artemis, is Apollon’s twin sister. It is believed that his other siblings and/or half-siblings are Athena, Dionysus, Ares, Aphrodite, Aeacus, Angelos, the Graces, the Muses, the Moirai, Eileithyia, Enyo, Eris, Ersa, Hebe, Helen of Troy, Hephaestus, Heracles, Hermes, Minos, Pandia, Persephone, Perseus, Rhadamanthus, the Horae and the Litae.
Apollo Symbol List – What Are The Symbols of Apollo?
The Greek god of the sun, like all the other gods and goddesses in Greek mythology, had several symbols representing him. Perhaps, the most well-known symbol of Apollo is his lyre.
Other symbols of him include pythons, bows and arrows while he has several sacred animals and plants.
What Are The Sacred Animals Of Apollo/Apollon?
Dolphins, ravens, swans and wolves were Apollo’s sacred animals.
What Are The Sacred Plants Of Apollo/Apollon?
Apollo’s sacred plants were cypress trees, larkspur and laurels.
This wraps up our post on Apollo, the Greek god of sun, his family, his symbols, sacred animals and plants. If you liked reading the piece, you will probably enjoy our post on Artemis symbols here. Alternatively, you can browse all our pieces on Greek god symbols here, or Greek symbols/letters here. Thanks for reading with us!
