The monstrous serpent Python was the son of Gaia (Mother Earth). Gaia appointed Python to protect the oracle at Delphi. This creature, wherever it went, released an obnoxious odor and spread mischief and death. Python was once ordered by Hera to pursue Leto on earth until she died. Apollo, when he was just four days old, implored Hephaestus to give him arrows and a bow to safeguard his mother. After receiving it, Apollo went to the serpent’s cave to avenge Python at Delphi. When Apollo laid claim to the shrine he slew the serpent with his arrows. As Python was withering in the insufferable pain, Apollo, standing above the creature, said: “Now rot here upon the soil that feeds man! You at least shall live no more to be a fell bane to men who eat the fruit of the all-nourishing earth, and who will bring hither perfect hecatombs. Against cruel death neither Typhoios [her consort] shall avail you nor ill-famed Khimaira [her spawn], but here, shall the Earth and shining Hyperion make you rot.” Python was often depicted as male and at times female who consorted with Typhoeus. Apollo was punished for slaughtering Python and served as a cowherd king to Admetus for nine years. The giant Tityos (Tityus) is then sent by Hera to kidnap the goddess Leto. Apollo, with the aid of his sister Artemis, protected his mother. Tityos, as a result, was hurled down to the underworld to face an everlasting torment. There, he was anchored to the ground where two vultures, on a daily basis, feasted on his regenerating liver. The Pythian Games held at Delphi were presumed to have been set up by Apollo to celebrate his victory over Python.
Apollo God of Music, Song and Poetry
