Who Were the Ancient Greek Gods?

2. Apollo

As the god of art and music, Apollo is often armed with an old instrument called a lyre. He was also one of the most important gods in Ancient Greece, ruling over many things. Apollo is also the god of medicine, the sun, and of knowledge. One myth tells of Hermes, the messenger god, and Apollo's then-baby brother, creating a tortoiseshell lyre. Before doing so, he had stolen and hidden Apollo's cattle. When Apollo heard the music from the new lyre, he knew that it had to be his. He then forgave Hermes for stealing the cattle and offered them in exchange for the instrument.