Ancient Greek Gods for Kids
Apollo, son of Zeus

Apollo, God of Healing, Light, Truth, Medicine, and Music
Roman name: Apollo

Apollo was the son of Zeus (king of all the gods.) His mother was the gentle Leta. Apollo had a twin sister, Artemis, the huntress, a little brother Hermes, and several half brothers and sisters. Apollo loved his family - all of them, except perhaps Mars (god of war.)

Apollo had lots of jobs in the ancient Greek god world. He was the god of healing, the god of light, the god of truth, the god of medicine, and the god of music and musicians. One of his most important jobs was to bring up the sun every day. Like his sister, he was a great archer, and often carried a silver bow.

Apollo was reliable and easy going, but he could lose his temper if provoked. When he did lose his temper, he often got even in clever ways!  One god that seemed to provoke him the most was his little brother, Hermes. Those of you who have little brothers might be able to sympathize. For all his fussing about Hermes, Apollo had a mischievous side himself, just like little brother, and just like his father, the mighty Zeus.

Ancient Myths about Apollo retold by Lin Donn

• Apollo's Oracle at Delphi - ancient myth retold

• Apollo and Cassandra - ancient myth retold

• Apollo and the Music Contest - a king midas story

• Apollo and his little brother Hermes (cartoon ancient myth PowerPoint for kids, written by Lin Donn, illustrated by Phillip Martin)

• Apollo and Daphne - ancient myth retold