Apollo was born to Zeus and the Titaness Leto on the floating island of Delos, one of the few places willing to shelter
Leto from the jealous wrath of Hera. He was born alongside his twin sister Artemis, and grew with astonishing speed, said to
have reached full godhood within days of his birth.
Just days old, Apollo hunted down and slew the monstrous serpent Python, which had tormented his mother Leto during her
pregnancy at the request of Hera. He claimed the oracle at Delphi as his own following this victory, establishing it as the
most important prophetic site in the Greek world.
Apollo's mastery over prophecy, music, and healing made the Oracle of Delphi his lasting legacy, where his priestess
delivered messages believed to come directly from him. Kings and commoners alike traveled great distances to seek his guidance,
cementing Apollo as one of the most revered gods in daily Greek life.