Apolong

The immortal son of Zeus and Leto

The name usually appears in the Greek texts as Apollon, or Phoibos Apollon, Phoibos meaning ‘shining’ or ‘bright’. Leto traveled far and wide to find the suitable birthplace for Apollon. She finally came to the rocky island of Delos and knew that this would be the birthplace of her glorious son. The goddess, Delos, made Leto swear a great oath on the river Styx that her new son, Phoibos, would not abandon his birthplace and that he would always keep his temple on the humble island. Leto agreed, Apollon was soon to be born on Delos.


After nine days and nights of travail, Phoibos was born with Rhea, Dione, Themis, Ikhnaian and Aphrodite (goddess of Love) attending. He did not nurse at his mothers breast, instead, he was given nectar and ambrosia. He burst from the crib and announced his intentions: to play the lyre and carry the curved bow. Known as the twin of Artemis and also referred to as the Striker from Afar (Hymn to Apollon). The seventh day of each month is holy to Apollon. (The Works and Days, line 770+)