Apollo

Ἀπόλλων

Ἑκηβόλος  "Far Shooting"

I have always felt a special connection to Apollo, an Olympian deity who ruled many aspects of the Greco-Roman religion:
He is associated with the keeping of order and justice, as well as dealing out punishment to the wicked. In accordance with this, he was also honored in the founding of new cities, especially Greek colonies in Magna Graecia in Italy. (My family is from Naples and Agrigento, both of which are in this area.)


As a protector god, he has the power to heal the sick and prevent evil as an apotropaic deity.


His cult was famous for its oracles and he was associated with the connection between the divine and man.

Apollo as a seer pouring libations, with a raven and lyre.

As a patron of the arts, he was honored in sculpture and painting from an early age, inspired by the beauty of male youths. He also ruled over song and music, as he was often shown with a lyre given to him by Hermes.


He was associated with multiple solar deities, due to his association with light (epithet: Phoebus "shining"). He took the place of the titan Helios, eventually absorbing his name as another epithet. In Egypt he was syncretized with the falcon-god Horus, who was also associated with similar solar and healing aspects.

In addition, he is the god of Archery, plague, male youth, and much, more...
Animals sacred to Apollo include ravens, serpents, deer, dolphins, wolves, and my favorite... Griffins!

Eastern Solar Deity-riding a Griffin.

You can see now why I think he is so awesome- and why he is near and dear to my heart.


Homeric Hymn 21 to Apollo: "Phoibos [Apollo], of you even the swan sings with clear voice to the beating of his wings, as he alights upon the bank by the eddying river Peneios; and of you the sweet-tongued minstrel, holding his high-pitched lyre, always sings both first and last. And so hail to you lord! I seek your favour with my song."

Ankh Wedja Seneb
(Life Prosperity Health)

Leif Lauderdale