Apollo appears in Greek mythology as the god of music. His other functions are archery, prophecy, medicine, and the care of flocks and herds. He also favours philosophy; it was even said that he was the immortal father of the philosopher, Plato.
From the earliest times he is associated with prophecy. The means of divination was possession; the god addressed the people through the mouth of the priest or priestess, often in sung verse. His shrine at Delphi, which claimed to be the centre of the world, was the most important and influential in Classical Greece.
Apollo is very popular in art from the seventh century. He is shown as a youth, naked or robed, often holding a lyre.
