Sandro Botticelli: "Primavera" (1478). "Primavera" in Italian means "Spring." In this wonderful painting by Botticelli, Mercury is depicted at far left. At the center is Venus, on Venus' left the three Graces, and on her right the goddess Flora. At the far right of the painting is the wind god Zephir pursuing the nymph Chloris. Zephir's breath cause the nymph to sprout flowers from her mouth.
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Image courtesy of Planet Art.

Apollo

In Greek mythology, Apollo was the son of Jupiter(in Greek Zeus) and Leto (Letona). He was the god of the Sun, logic, and reason, and was also a fine musician and healer.

Leto travelled all over Greece to find a place to give birth to Apollo. She finally came upon an island named Delos. The island agreed to allow the birth of Apollo if he in turn founded a temple on the island. Leto agreed, and when Apollo grew up, he changed Delos into a beautiful island.

He was known as the god who could foretell the future. His most famous sacred place was at Delphi, site of the Oracle of Delphi.

The Romans also believed in Apollo as the god of light, music, and healing.


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