God of Music in Greek and Roman Mythology

Baca Juga

FEMUSINDO.com - In Greek and Roman mythology, Apollo is the god of music. In addition, he is also the god of light, archers, medicine, the sun, and poets.

Then, Apollo, who is known as a very handsome god, is also the god of prophecy, and gives his blessing to the oracles, so that they can read the future.

There are two common opinions regarding the origin of Apollo. One is that Apollo comes from the eastern region. Another opinion links Apollo to the Dorians and their god apellai (also the moon Apellaios).

Origin of the Name Apollo

The origin of the name Apollo is unclear. Plato, in Kratilos, connects the name Apollo with apolisis "redeeming", apolousis "purification", and aploun "simple".

Hesychius connects the name Apollo with apella from the Dorian language, which means "assembly", so Apollo is called a political god.

Another possibility is that apellai is derived from an archaic form of Apollo that could be equated with Appaliunas, an Anatolian god whose name probably means "father lion" or "father light".

Meanwhile, the Greeks associated Apollo's name with the verb apollimi meaning "to destroy".

Son of Zeus and Leto, Twin Brother of Artemis

Apollo was the son of Zeus and Leto, twin brother of Artemis. His oracle at Delphi was very famous and visited by people.

Many people from all over Greece visited his oracle to find out about their future.

In Etruscan mythology, he was known as Apullu. Apollo was worshiped by both the ancient Greeks and the ancient Romans.

Apollo was born on the island of Delos after his mother was exiled by the gods. From a young age, Apollo showed extraordinary talent for playing music.

He learned to play the lyre, an ancient musical instrument made from a tortoise shell, and with great enthusiasm, he learned to play beautiful songs.

Symbols of Apollo

Apollo's symbol is a bow made of gold. The laurel tree, the raven, and the dolphin are sacred to him.

Other symbols include the kithara, the sword, and the altar of divination, which symbolize Apollo's powers of prophecy.

Medicine and healing are associated with him or his son, Asklepios (the god of medicine), since Apollo is seen as the god who brings health and plague.

As the god of music, Apollo is the leader of the Muses (goddesses of music and singing). Hermes created the lyre for Apollo and the instrument became an important attribute of Apollo.

Hymns sung to Apollo are called paian. In ancient Greece, especially in the third century BC, he was associated with Helios (the Sun god) and his sister, Artemis, was associated with Selene (the moon goddess). (*)