Apollo is one of the most complex and important gods, and is the god of many things, including: music, poetry, art, oracles, archery, plague, medicine, sun , light and knowledge. He is the son of Zeus and the titan Leto, and was born on the Greek island of Delos, along with his older twin sister Artemis, goddess of the hunt. Both medicine and healing are associated with Apollo and were thought to were mediated by his son Asclepius However, Apollo could also bring health problems and deadly plagues. Say no to plagiarism Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned" Get an original essay He and the his twin sister Artemis, also an Olympian, shared an aptitude for archery. His name, Phoebus, means "bright" or "pure" and links him to his grandmother, the titan Phoebe. skilled magician, known to delight Olympus with the melodies he played on his golden lyre. His lyre, a stringed instrument resembling a small harp, was made by Hermes. Apollo taught men the art of medicine, which is why he is often called "The Healer". Apollo is alternately referred to as the God of Light and the God of Truth. The dolphin and the swan were the animals sacred to him. Apollo accidentally killed his dear companion, Hyacinthus, in a discus throwing competition. Apollo is also credited with killing the Cyclopes in retaliation for arming Zeus with lightning. He had many love affairs with both mortals and goddesses. Perhaps the most famous of these women was a mortal named Hecuba, married to the king of Troy. From the union of Apollo and Hecuba a son was born, Troilus. Apollo's affections were rejected by Cassandra, another mortal, so he punished her by ensuring that her prophecies were never believed. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Asclepius is probably the best-known son of Apollo, although he had many descendants. The laurel, used in Greece as a status symbol, was the tree of Apollo. Apollo accidentally killed his dear companion, Hyacinthus, in a discus throwing competition. So Apollo is the son of Zeus and the sun god. He did a lot for humanity and helped us in Greek mythology.