Apollo

Apollo, the son of Zeus and the Titaness Leto, and twin brother to Artemis, was one of the most worshiped gods in Greek mythology. He was the god of the sun, music, poetry, dance, medicine, prophecy, and protector of herdsmen. His oracle at Delphi was the most famous in the ancient world, and his cult spread beyond Greece, especially to Asia Minor.

Initially, Apollo was likely seen as a protector of shepherds, often depicted with a lyre. His roles in music, archery, and healing became prominent after his oracle was established at Delphi. Born on Delos, Apollo grew to adulthood in four days. He transformed into a dolphin to escape the island and guided a ship to safety. He later killed the serpent Python at Pytho and claimed the oracle, renaming the site Delphi.