APOLLO. A Greek deity, one of the most ideal figures in Greek mythology. According to legend, he was the son of Zeus by Leto (Latona), had as his twin-sister Artemis (Diana), and was born at the foot of Mount Cynthus in Delos. He seems to have been originally a god of light in general. Thus, having withdrawn in winter, he comes back in Spring to gladden the land with his brightness; he calms the wintry sea after the equinoctial gales; he protects the ripening crops, and receives in Autumn the first-fruits of the harvest; he is the patron of flocks and pastures, and slays rapacious beasts that come to do them harm. He is also a god of health and of prolific power, and gives help in war. As a god of streets and highways, his " rude symbol, a conical post with a pointed ending, stood by street-doors and in courtyards, to watch men's exit and entrance, to let in good and keep out evil, and was loaded by the inmates with gifts of honour, such as ribbons, wreaths of myrtle or bay, and the like " (O. Seyffert). Apollo is also a
guardian and guide on the sea. As a god of health and averter of ills, he is one of the chief gods of healing. His son Asclepios (-Esculapius) is famous for his possession of the same power. Health and holiness, light and purity being closely allied, Apollo became a god of moral purity and civic righteousness. As such he is able to purify the penitent suppliant who is eager to make atonement for sin. Finally, he is a god of divination or prophecy and of music. With Zeus and Athene, Apollo forms a kind of divine triad. The worship of Apollo became naturalized among the Romans, and in B.C. 431 he was honoured with a temple as god of healing. In 21?. B.C. the " Ludi Apollinares " were established. The symbols of Apollo include the bow and quiver, the lyre, the tripod, the bay, the dolphin, the snake. See O. Seyffert, Diet.; Chambers' Encyel.
APOLLYON.The Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name, Abaddon (q.v.).