Liv Albert, host of Let's Talk About Myths Baby, joins to discuss the multifaceted Greek God Apollo, from his role as the Sun God to his vengeful character. They delve into Apollo's association with prophecy, archery, tragic love stories, and the shift from matriarchy to patriarchy in Greek mythology.
Apollo embodies a multifaceted deity in Greek mythology, associated with arts, music, prophecy, and wrathful vengeance.
Apollo's youthful depiction in ancient Greek art symbolizes his protection of young men and attributes as a god of arts, music, and healing.
Apollo's involvement in the Trojan War, role as a god of prophecy, and connection to healing highlight his significant impact on ancient Greek society.
Deep dives
Apollo's Multiple Roles and Story of Niobe
Apollo is depicted as a multifaceted god in Greek mythology, being associated with arts, music, medicine, prophecy, and more. Despite his varied roles, tragedies often follow those he loves. For instance, the story of Niobe, a queen of Thebes, showcases Apollo's wrath after she boasts about her 14 children, comparing them to Apollo's mother's two. In response to her arrogance, Apollo and Artemis, his twin sister, strike down all of Niobe's children, leading to a tale of profound tragedy and loss.
Apollo's Depictions in Art and Young Figure
In ancient Greek art, Apollo is often depicted as a youthful figure with a beardless face and musical associations. He is frequently shown with a bow in his hair, exuding a slightly feminine appearance. His representation as a young deity is synonymous with his role as the protector of young men, aligning with his attributes as a god of the arts, music, and healing.
Apollo's Influence on the Trojan War and Prophecy
Apollo plays a significant role in the Trojan War, siding with Troy due to its history with the city's kings who refused to pay for Apollo's help in building the city walls. During the conflict, Apollo's involvement leads to events such as enforcing a plague on the Greeks after they abduct Chryseis, a priest of Apollo's daughter. Additionally, Apollo's role as the god of prophecy and the Oracle at Delphi is central to ancient Greek society, influencing major decisions and events.
The Role of Apollo in Healing and Medicine
While Asclepius is known as the god of medicine, Apollo is associated with healing and medicine as well. As Asclepius's father, Apollo holds a significant position as the overarching figure in the realm of healing. The story of Asclepius's birth through Apollo's tragic actions toward his mother highlights Apollo's connection to the domain of medicine and healing in ancient Greek mythology.
Apollo's Multiple Tragic Loves and Relationships
Apollo's romances often end tragically, with many of his beloved figures meeting untimely ends or transformations. From Hyacinthus to Cyparisis and Daphne, the individuals Apollo loves often face unfortunate fates, leading to sorrow and loss. These stories underscore a recurring theme of tragedy following Apollo's romantic entanglements in Greek mythology.
Apollo, the favourite son of Zeus and twin brother of Artemis, was a Greek God with many faces. Perhaps most famous as Phoebus, the God of the Sun, he was the patron of poetry and prophecy, of music and dance. And yet he also possessed a darker side. He was a terribly vengeful character and brought death and disease to both those he hated and loved through his trademark poisonous arrows.
In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Liv Albert, host of the podcast Let's Talk About Myths Baby to peel back the layers from one of Greek mythology's most complicated characters.
This episode was produced by Joseph Knight and edited by Aidan Lonergan.
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