Apollo is the god of the sun and music, and carries a golden lyre and a golden bow and arrow.
Apollo and Artemis were the twin children of Zeus and the nymph Leto. Apollo was as beautiful and radiant as the sun. He was also the god of music and medicine. He was jealous and impetuous in his youth, and made a lot of enemies.
The Greeks prayed to Apollo for good health, and feared him when a plague or other illness hit. He was also thought to be the god of livestock, along with Helios, the god who drove the sun in a chariot across the sky each day. Helios is the god Odysseus’ men anger when they eat his cattle in Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. This mistake delays Odysseus’ voyage home even further and leads to the demise of all of his men.
Apollo is most well-known for killing the Python, which Hera sent after his mother while she was pregnant in revenge for sleeping with her husband Zeus. Apollo is also known for aiding Paris in killing Achilles, by guiding the arrow into his heel. He is routinely angered by the Greeks in Homer’s The Iliad and often takes the Trojans’ side of the battle. Apollo had many lovers, but some of his most well-known children include: Asclepius, Troilus, and Orpheus. Apollo was an amazing lyre player, using the lyre that Hermes made when he stole one of Apollo’s cattle and made it from the cow’s innards and a tortoise.
Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Apollo Quick Reference
Parents
Zeus and Leto
Notable Myths
- Birth on Delos
- Slaying of the Python
- Invention of the Lyre
Symbols
- sun
- golden lyre
- golden bow and arrow
Domain
- Sun
- Music
- Poetry
How Tos about Apollo: Greek God of Music
How can I create an engaging lesson on Apollo using visual aids?
Use colorful images and diagrams of Apollo, his symbols, and important myths to help students visualize his role in Greek mythology. Visuals can spark curiosity and make abstract ideas more concrete for young learners.
Guide students to research Apollo’s different roles in mythology.
Assign small groups to explore Apollo as the god of music, the sun, and prophecy. Each group can create a short poster or digital slide about one aspect, then share with the class. This builds teamwork and research skills.
Facilitate a classroom discussion comparing Apollo to gods from other cultures.
Encourage students to compare Apollo’s traits to sun gods or music deities in other mythologies, like Ra from Egypt or Surya from India. Making cross-cultural connections helps deepen understanding and global awareness.
Organize a creative writing activity based on Apollo’s myths.
Invite students to write a short story or poem from the perspective of Apollo or someone he encounters. This fosters imagination while reinforcing key facts and themes from the myths.
Wrap up with a quick quiz or game to reinforce learning.
Use a quiz, matching game, or ‘mythology Jeopardy’ to review Apollo’s roles, symbols, and stories. Interactive review activities help check understanding and make learning fun.
Frequently Asked Questions about Apollo: Greek God of Music
Who is Apollo in Greek mythology?
Apollo is a major god in Greek mythology, known as the god of the sun, music, poetry, prophecy, and healing. He is the son of Zeus and Leto, and the twin brother of Artemis.
What are Apollo's main symbols and attributes?
Common symbols of Apollo include the lyre, laurel wreath, bow and arrows, and the sun. These represent his roles in music, victory, archery, and light.
Why is Apollo important among the Olympian gods?
Apollo is considered one of the most influential Olympian gods because he embodies many aspects valued by the Greeks, including wisdom, creativity, and health.
How can teachers introduce Apollo to students?
Teachers can introduce Apollo by sharing myths, showing pictures of his symbols, and discussing his role among the 12 Olympian Gods. Interactive activities like storytelling or art can enhance learning.
What are some famous myths about Apollo?
Popular myths involving Apollo include his defeat of the Python, his musical contests with Marsyas, and his guidance as the god of prophecy at Delphi.
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office