Apollo is a deity in Greek and Roman mythology who was revered for his manifold functions and meanings. He was the god of practically everything, including music, poetry, art, prophecy, truth, archery, plague, healing, sun, and light. Apollo was also recognized as a god of archery, music, and dance, truth and prophecy, healing and diseases, poetry, and more.

Apollo was the son of Leto and brother of Artemis. He was associated with the sun and light, and his medium was the Pythia, a local woman over 50 years old who, under his inspiration, delivered oracles in the main temple of Apollo.

Several instances of popular etymology are attested by ancient authors. The Greeks most often associated Apollos name with the Greek verb ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi), "to destroy". Plato in Cratylus connects the name with ἀπόλυσις (apolysis), "redemption", with ἀπόλουσις (apolousis), "purification", and with ἁπλοῦν (.

In addition to his many functions, Apollo was also associated with several symbols, including the lyre, the bow and arrow, the laurel wreath, and the dolphin.