#Terpsichore devotee

[mythicalmuseomine]

Lady Terpsichore

Goddess of dance and chorus

I take requests

[songofapollon]

The Muses

Lord Apollon is often referred to as the Leader of the Mused, and depicted with Them, and I’d like to honor Them as well as Him with introducing Them!

The Muses

There are 3 sets of Mousai (Muses)

- The Mousai Titanides, 3 or 4 elder Muses, children of Ouranos and Gaia

- The 9 Olympian Mousai, the ones I’m mostly talking about in this post

- The Mousai Apollonides, 3 daughters of Apollon

The 9 Muses are goddesses of music, song, dance, knowledge, and inspiration. They are children of Zeus and Mnemosyne.

The Muses are Kalliope (epic poetry), Kleio (history), Euterpe (lyric poetry), Melopmene (tragedy), Terpsichore (choral dance and song), Erato (Erotic poetry), Polymnia (sublime hymn), Ourania (astronomy), and Thalia (comedy).

[artemis-potnia-theron]

Apollo and the Muses (John Singer Sargent)

[the-mortuary-witch]

APOLLO

WHO IS HE?

Apollo is the god of the sun, prophecy, oracles, light, music, the arts, song, poetry, healing, medicine, plague, disease, protection of the youth, knowledge, and herds. He is the son of the god Zeus and the goddess Leto, and the twin brother of the goddess Artemis. Apollo is depicted as a handsome and radiant god who is skilled in many areas, including music, archery, and medicine. He was also known for his intelligence and foresight, and was often consulted for advice and prophecies. Apollo was often depicted holding a lyre, the instrument that he played and used to soothe the worries of mortals.

BASIC INFO: 

Appearance: Apollo is usually depicted as a handsome young man with golden hair and a radiant complexion. He often wears a laurel wreath, which is a symbol of victory and excellence, on his head. He is also often depicted holding a bow, a lyre, or both, and wearing a flowing robe that is sometimes adorned with intricate patterns. Apollo is often portrayed as a youthful and attractive god, with a strong build and a confident, almost arrogant demeanor.

Personality: he is known for being a warm and affectionate deity who is fond of his devotees and enjoys their company. He is often depicted as being charismatic and charming, and is known for his quick wit and intelligence. He is also known for his appreciation of art and culture, and is often depicted engaged in music, poetry, and other artistic pursuits. With his devotees, Apollo is often portrayed as being generous and responsive to their prayers and supplications, and is often called upon for favors and blessings related to health, creativity, and success.

Symbols: lyre, laurel wreath, silver bow and arrows, tripod, the Sun, and Sunday

God of: the sun, prophecy, oracles, light, music, the arts, song, poetry, healing, medicine, plague, disease, protection of the youth, knowledge, and herds

Culture: Greek

Plants and trees: sunflowers, laurel, larkspur, cypress, apple trees, palm trees, and hyacinthus

Crystals: sunstone, citrine, yellow sapphires, carnelian, heliodor, golden healer, peridot, anorthoclase, anglesite, swiss blue topaz, calcite, star sapphire, aurichalcite, cherry opal, white topaz, brewsterite, silver topaz, bristol diamond, ceylon sapphire, pecos diamond, blue amber, blue kunzite, bony amber, inderite, binghamite, Arkansas diamond, ajoite, baltic amber, trolleite, cacoxenite, mystic topaz, diamond, ulexite, corundum, milky quartz, boulder opal, goldstone, Ethiopian opal, black obsidian, and topaz

Animals: swan, raven, tortoise, serpent, wolf, dolphin, and mouse

Incense: orange, lemon, clove, myrrh, frankincense, cypress, vanilla, and cinnamon

Practices: music magick, healing, art magick, protection, divination, and medicine magick

Colours: gold, yellow, orange, silver, blue, and white

Number: 7

Zodiacs: Leo, Gemini, and Virgo

Tarot: The Sun, The Chariot, Strength, and Temperance

Planets: Sun and Mercury 

Days: Sunday, Apollonos, Hyakinthia, Apellai, Thargelia, Litha, and Yule

Parents: Zeus and Leto

Siblings: Artemis (twin) and many paternal half-siblings 

Partners: Cyrene, Rhetia, Daphne, Coronis, Hyacinth, Terpsichore, Rhoeo, Parthenope, Psamathe, Areia, Hecuba, and Melia

Children: Asclepius, Aristaeus, The Korybantes, Hymen, Anius, Cycnus, Linus of Thrace, Lycomedes, Melite, Miletus, Oaxes, Oncius, Orpheus, Troilus, Phemonoe, Philammon, Tenerus, Trophonius, and various others

MISC:

Sun: Apollo is associated with the sun because he was the god of the sun and the personification of the sun's light and warmth. The sun was seen as a powerful force that brought life and growth to the earth, and Apollo was believed to control the movements of the sun across the sky and regulate its heat and light. As the god of the sun, Apollo was also associated with purity, truth, and the passage of time, and his presence was often invoked in rituals and ceremonies related to the sun and the changing of the seasons.

Music: he was believed to be the inventor of the lyre and to have a deep understanding of music theory and composition. Apollo was often depicted playing the lyre, and his music was said to have the power to soothe the emotions and inspire the soul. Apollo was also the patron of musicians and singers, and was often called upon during musical competitions and festivals to judge contests and offer inspiration.

Poetry: his name is said to be derived from the Greek word "apo," which means "away" or "back," and the word "poiein," which means "to make" or "to create." As the patron of poetry and the arts, Apollo was said to have invented the art of writing and the alphabet, and he was often depicted holding a golden lyre, which he used to play music that inspired poets and bards.

Snakes: Apollo is associated with snakes because he was said to have control over snakes and could charm them with his music. One of the most famous myths involving Apollo and snakes is the story of the Python, a massive serpent that lived on Mount Parnassus and terrorized the people of the region. Apollo was said to have slain the Python and made the snake sacred to himself. 

Bow and arrows: as the god of archery, Apollo was said to have unparalleled skill with the bow and could hit targets at great distances with accuracy and precision. Apollo's skill with the bow was legendary, and he is often depicted as using his bow to hunt, protect, and defend. The bow and arrow were also symbols of power and authority, and Apollo was often depicted holding them in statues and frescoes.

Laurel wreath: the laurel wreath is also associated with Apollo's role as the god of poetry and the patron of the arts, as the laurel plant was believed to have healing properties that could cure madness and inspire creativity. The Laurel wreath worn by Apollo is a symbol of his victory over the Python and his mastery of the arts.

Ravens: they are often associated with Apollo because they are believed to be his sacred birds. The raven is a bird that is closely associated with prophecy and foresight, and Apollo was often depicted accompanied by a group of ravens that are said to have provided him with information and wisdom. One of the most famous stories involving Apollo and ravens is the myth of the Oracle at Delphi, where the god Apollo would receive prophecies from the priestess, and the ravens were believed to be his messengers.

FACTS ABOUT APOLLO:

His oracles were often consulted for guidance in various matters. He was in general seen as the god who affords help and wards off evil. 

Medicine and healing are associated with Apollo, whether through the god himself or mediated through his son Asclepius. Apollo delivered people from epidemics, yet he is also a god who could bring ill health and deadly plague with his arrows. 

Apollo presides over all music, songs, dance, and poetry. He is the inventor of string-music and the frequent companion of the Muses, functioning as their chorus leader in celebrations. 

He  is an important pastoral deity, and he was the patron of herdsmen and shepherds. Protection of herds, flocks and crops from diseases, pests and predators were his primary rustic duties. On the other hand, Apollo also encouraged the founding of new towns and the establishment of civil constitutions, is associated with dominion over colonists, and was the giver of laws. 

HOW TO INVOKE APOLLO:

If you can afford it, get a statue of Apollo. If you can't, print out a picture, get whatever picture frame you can afford, and put the picture in the frame.

Next, on a bright sunny day, find a place (preferably outside) where you will be surrounded by sunlight and undisturbed. Try to pick a time of day when the sun is directly above you. Bring some water with you. If you cast circles, cast a circle, and feel free to enhance this ritual in any way that makes sense to you. Hold your figure of Apollo up into the sunlight, and chant. What you chant should be relatively short and easy to say. It helps if it contains a rhyme or rhythm to it, but neither is required. It should be in your native language and should say something like, "Apollo, mighty Sun God, fill this vessel with your presence". (Come up with your own words.) Chant them over and over. When your arms get tired, you can lower them, just keep the image in the sunlight and keep your hands on the image.

While you are chanting, make eye contact with the image. You should eventually start to feel that the image is looking back at you. He is. Keep chanting the same words, but let them strengthen the sense of presence and awareness you feel in the image.

Chant as long as you can. Make the god's presence in your image as strong as possible. It's okay to take a drink--your throat will need it--but when drinking keep the chant going mentally until you're done drinking.

When you're done, take the image home and put it on an altar. At least once a day, place some food and drink on the altar for the god. "As above, so below" means (in part) that all items on this earth have an equivalent in the energy/spirit world, and you are giving this food energy to Apollo to enjoy and strengthen his presence. Do not eat/drink the offerings, throw them away or leave them outside for wildlife.

From time to time, also burn incense or do other things that strike you as probably pleasing to the god.

Once you have an altar set up with Apollo, pray to him daily. Make eye contact; part of Apollo's presence resides in your statue/picture. Be open and receptive to impressions, feelings and urges in reply.

Always express gratitude whenever you are done interacting with Apollo.

When you feel you have established a strong bond with Apollo, pray mentally to him, and then pause, waiting for a reply. Keep your head quiet but don't impose quiet in your mind, let it be like clay ready for Apollo's touch. If you keep making progress you will eventually feel thoughts form in your head that you didn't put there. That's Apollo, talking back to you.

PRAYER FOR APOLLO:

Apollo, shining son of great Zeus and blessed Leto, twin to Artemis,

Bright-faced god, ever present, ever distant,

We greet you with reverence and awe. 

Clear-eyes Apollo, far-seeing one, sharp-sighted archer, always true of aim, true of vision, true of perception,

Constant guide of poets and musicians, of those who seek beauty, of its creation,

You grant to us the tools of artistry—words drawn from the heart, laid with care, tales told with skill and vigour, prayer and song to honour the gods, melody and harmony,

All the joy and sorrow of our lives transformed. 

Apollo, fire and form of inspiration, I honour you. 

SIGNS THAT APOLLO IS CALLING YOU:

Feeling a strong connection to sunsets and sunrises. 

A connection to music on a deeper level than you ever have before, and randomly hearing or writing songs that include his sacred symbols in some way, can also be a sign that he is close by. 

Idly doodling or drawing his sacred signs and symbols, or suddenly feeling more creative, artistic, and confident than ever before, you can assume that Apollo might be trying to influence you at least a little bit. 

Seeing his sacred animals in unusual places or in synchronistic ways can be a sign that Apollo is near or is trying to get your attention. His sacred animals include but are not limited to ravens, crows, hawks, swans, cicadas, mice, and snakes. 

Sudden interest in divination, such as oracle, tarot, scrying, or charm casting can be a sign that Apollo is wanting to connect with you. 

Wanting to suddenly learn poetry. 

OFFERINGS:

Sun water. 

Music (all kinds).

Foods and drinks: wine diluted with pure water, milk, herbal teas, honey and honey cakes, orange or lemon pastries, lamb or goat meat, fruits (mainly citrus fruit), cheeses, wheat, breads, chocolates with orange or lemon flavours, bay leaves, sunflower seeds, and almonds. 

Olive oil. 

Golden objects such as gold bowls, gold wine cups, flakes of gold, etc.

Bows and arrows, toys, or art. 

Images or art of the sun. 

All musical instruments, especially stringed instruments. 

Wolf and/or dolphin imagery. 

Any images of birds, especially crows and swans. 

Yellow, gold, and white candles. 

Incense such as frankincense or myrrh. 

Laurel wreaths, tree branches or leaves. 

Gems such as amber, sunstone, and yellow sapphires. 

Aloe vera. 

Bandaids. 

Poetry you’ve written. 

Music you’ve written. 

Art you’ve drawn. 

Flowers such as lily of the valley, anise, and sunflowers. 

Photos you’ve taken. 

Concert tickets. 

Golden jewelry or jewelry of the sun or arrows. 

LGBTQ+ flags. 

Divination items (tarot cards, pendulums, etc).

Wolf and/or dolphin art, toys, or photos. 

Sunscreen. 

All bird feathers, but especially swan and crow feathers. 

Dance (all kinds).

DEVOTIONAL ACTS:

Support up-and-coming/indie artists and musicians. 

Sing to Him. 

Play musical instruments for Him. 

Hold dance parties. 

Try and wake up early and watch the sun rise. 

Make a playlist for Him and listen to it daily. 

Read poetry to Him

Take care of your mental health and remember to take your medicine, if you have any. 

Try different types of divination. 

Go for a walk and feel the warmth from the sun. 

Let more sunlight into your home/room. 

Learn a musical instrument or how to sing. 

Sunbathe. 

Learn simple medical care, like CPR. 

Learn about His history, His mother’s history, and His sister’s history. 

Try archery. 

Learn about His lovers. 

Attend pride. 

Support LGBTQ+ rights. 

Wear yellow or orange clothing. 

Honour Leto and Artemis. 

Pray to Him and speak to Him often, things to consider praying for are guidance, healing/good health, inspiration, a prophecy or truth. 

Exercising. 

Get vaccinated. 

[a-french-coconut]

Protector of Youth

Chapter 1 : Troilus (Athena)

There are whispers in the great halls of Olympus.

Quiet rumours travelling the streets of the golden city, about the greek army getting closer to the city's walls.

Apollo pays them no mind, it won't change the inevitable.

The future of Troy is already written and he cannot change it for all he wishes to.

His beloved Ilium shall fall in the monstrous hands of the Achaeans in less than ten winters.

His heart clenches at the thought of the royal family.

Wise king Priam and beautiful queen Hecuba.

Brave Hector and faithful Andromache, holding protectively against her breast young Scamandrius.

And Troilus, his precious son whose fate is unclear, his string not yet etched in the tapestry of Fate.

He could survive and depart with Aeneas, help him found Rome.

He could reach his twentieth birthday and save his city as it is prophesied. He is merely twelve now but he would grow into an amazing warrior.

He could die when the Greeks plunder Ilium and its wealths.

Endless possibilities, all ensuring a dark future for his son.

There is no world where Troy stands strong and his beloved Troilus doesn't loose all his family.

But he can help him survive the slaughter, guide him to Aeneas so that he may live.

He watches fondly his son and Polyxena sneak away from the city into the country land, laughing quietly in order not to get caught.

He doesn't interfere, they are far from the battlefield, no harm will come to them.

And if danger there is, Troilus knows to pray to him for he will always protect a young boy, especially his son.

Terpsichore calls him, the Muse happily dancing with nymphs and satyrs and offering to join.

With one last look to his son, Apollo lets himself get lost in the dance and the music, his golden tunics and gleaming long hair swirling around him as he leaves in awe all the onlookers.

As he sings alongside the Muses, he doesn't notice Athena leaving Mount Olympus in direction of the Achaean camp.

A temple is a god's most sacred place.

A place of refuge of his devotees, a place where no harm can be done or human blood can be shed.

No mortal in their right mind would ever dare desecrating such a sacral place.

And yet, Apollo can feel his temple has been corrupted.

He abruptly stops dancing, eyes a molten golden as the crowd parts it two to let him pass.

Whoever prideful mortal thought he would get away with is unscathed is awfully wrong.

Apollo is the Sun.

He sees all, knows all.

Nothing, and no one, can hope escape his divine justice.

When he arrives at the temple, everything is silent.

No wind swaying in the trees.

No birds chirping on the branches.

Eery silence.

On the temple's marches are laid the bloody corpses of his priests, stomach gutted open and white milky eyes frozen in terror.

Disrespecting his temple is already a punishable offence.

Killing his followers is an act worthy of a painful death.

He's going to burn them alive, to hear their scream echoing in the heavens and turn it into a melodious harmony.

Their death is recent, their bodies still soft and not rigid.

He frowns, why would they have been killed outside the building ?

He climbs the marches, passing through the already open gates.

At first he doesn't understand.

Then, his grief echoes like the howling of a wolf, deafening every creatures having not fled fast enough.

At the Greek camp, Achilles quietly joins his tent, ignoring Patroclus' curious gaze.

On Olympus, Athena requires an audience with the King.

He crumbles on his knees, his mouth producing a shrilling sound of discord, despair and rage.

In front of him, his Troilus watches him with horror, mouth open in a silent scream.

He carefully lift his head's son and cradles it, the rest of the body scattered in limbs across the room.

Polyxena is there too, but Apollo only cares about Troilus.

"Oh, my beloved son ! How have I failed you !"

He is the Protector of Youth, the one young boys pray to and cut their hair for him.

How ?

Why didn't he hear his prayers ?

"I'm sorry for your suffering", he whispers in a broken voice, "but I find small comfort in knowing you in Elysium, a place I'm sure you'll find to your liking."

He slowly gathers the body's pieces and takes them out the temple to burn them.

He places two drachmas of his son's eyes, and Polyxena's too, before lightning the fire.

That's when he notices two small things on the ground next to him.

A string of blond hair, coated with blood.

A owl's feather gleaming golden.

Pure hot white rage boils the ichor within his veins, his divinity pulsing against his human form, cracking it and deforming it.

The air around him becomes unbearably hot, sizzling against his skin.

Athena

Achilles

In a flash, his bow is drawn, an arrow ready to pierce that arrogant demigod's talon.

But when he tries to release the string, invisible chains bind him, not letting him shoot his arrow.

Hector will die before Achilles

He screams again, in frustration this time, sending the arrow in the nearby tree, combusting in flames.

Lightning strikes next to him despite the blue sky.

A summon, one he can't ignore.

He bids one last goodbye to his son's ashes resting on the burning pyre before disappearing in a flash of burning light.

"Father."

He bows slightly to Zeus, "may I ask why you summon me in my time of grieving ?"

"Such emotions for a mere mortal. You should know better than that brother, you are after all the all who prophesied his death."

A beat passes.

Inhale, calm the inferno growing.

Oxygen flood its blood, the boiling flames greedily inhaling the air to grow only stronger.

Skin cracks, ichor drips from the tight closed fits.

Divine essence seeps from cracks, pure heat dripping on his body.

Exhale, don't make harsh decisions.

"We are gods, Apollo. You will get over his death, don't burden us with all that misplaced sentiment."

With the howling of a wolf, form barely human, Apollo lunges himself at Athena, snarling and scratching her with his bare hands.

He feels like a supernova, like a star ready to explode.

He attacks her without any strategy, all he wants is to hurt her, to claw right into her essence and making it burn.

"Apollo, stop this madness at once !", she orders him, conjuring her spear to block his attacks.

He screams in return, a piercing sound, a screech really as he relentlessly lungs himself at her.

He is going to kill her, to send her to Tartarus.

Athena is a warrior but Apollo is a hunter.

And she is his prey.

Terrible bright light blinds the whole room, she winces, her grip on her weapon weakens.

He rips the spear out her arms and she is left defenceless for mere seconds.

It's all he needs.

He sees her throat, her unguarded throat. The only weak spot of her armour.

He can already feel the taste of ichor in his mouth, taste the fear and pain of the prideful goddess.

He bares his teeth, fully ready to plunge them in the bare flesh when familiar pain hits him, sending him tumbling on the ground.

Athena looks at him with wide eyes, his skin charred black from the lightning bolt their father just hit him with.

"Enough !", the King thunders, "Control yourself Apollo ! You are no minor god, you are an Olympian. Don't cover us with shame with such irresponsible attitude."

"She killed my son ! In my temple." he roars back, struggling to get back up.

"If I may Lord Father," Athena intervenes, "I had planned for Achilles to kill Troilus out in the wild. I did not expect the child to put up such fight."

Only the tingling of ozone in the air prevents him from conjuring a knife and gut her open.

"It doesn't matter what you intentions were, daughter. Apollo has suffered a great offence in the profanation of his temple."

He clenches his fist, trembling.

His son is dead, killed in the most gruesome way, and all Zeus cares about is that he was killed in the temple.

Should have Achilles killed Troilus when Athena intended him to, his father wouldn't even bother making this meeting.

"I ask for rightful punishment Father."

"I shall grant you the right to act as you wishes Apollo."

"When Achilles' time comes, I want to be the one to kill him.", he growls.

"As you wish my son. Now that this quarrel his deal with, I shall leave you. I have more urgent matters to take care of."

Zeus vanishes in a flash, leaving him alone with Athena in the throne room.

He sees her conjuring her shield, fearsome Aegis, and take a defensive stance but Apollo is too tired to attack her again.

A quarrel, a bickering between Athena and him. That's how his father views Troilus' death.

"If you don't agree with my actions brother, then at least understand them. Troy is fated to fall, but your son presented a chance of salvation." Athena's gaze hardens, "I will not have Ilium standing, not after the offence that pitiful prince caused me."

"That is your justification then, pride ?", he chuckles bitterly, "Will you not apologise for leading that murdered to my son ."

She bristles at the mention of it but nonetheless obliges.

"If it brings comfort then yes, I apologise for you son's brutal death. I agree that was no need for him to die in pain."

"You favour a mortal, don't you ?", he asks her, "what is his name again ?"

Her eyes narrow, "what are your intentions with Odysseus ?"

"Aha ! That's his name. Odysseus. I ought to right the crime done against me, against Achilles but also the whole greek army. They did plunder my temples and enslaved my priestesses."

"Don't tempt my patience Apollo, what do you want with Odysseus ?"

"I think I want to kill him", he snarls, looking right in Athena's eyes, "I want to strike him with one of my most despicable plagues, to see him suffer. I want him to see his dear Penelope and Telemachus in his dreams, knowing he won't ever see them again."

He gets closer to Athena, whispering right in front of her.

"What I want, Athena, is to see you suffer."

Before he can blink, the tip of her spear rests on his throat, her grey eyes radiation divine power.

"You will do no such thing," she hisses, "Odysseus is destined to become a great hero, I will not allow you to tamper with his fate."

"Like you did with my son's", he hisses back, yanking the spear away.

'Tell me, Wise One, what gives the right to kill Troilus because you felt like it but I cannot touch Odysseus ?"

"Troilus was fated to die", she says more calmly, "by one of your own prophecies."

"Troilus was fated to save Troy !", he shoots, "He was fated to sail with Aeneas on the wide sea ! Death was not the only option awaiting him. Death was the one you chose because you feared him."

He's panting heavily, eyes surely glowing golden.

"I'm going to kill Odysseus in front of you sister, you will watch as life leaves his eyes and you will watch it all because no prophecy protects him."

To his frustration, Athena smirks.

"Odysseus will not die by your hand Phoebus. I guarantee so."

It's her turn to get closer, confidence swaying around her.

"He is Hermes' great grandson. One he likes for reasons I care not to know. Which one do you value more, revenge against me or your friendship with our brother ?"

He doesn't say anything, fury growing as her smiles does too.

"We both the answer, do we not ? Then it's settled, Odysseus will live through this war and come back to Ithaca and his wife and son."

He stubbornly stays silent.

"That is the problem with emotional attachments Apollo," she says kindly, "they are so easily manipulated. I can only advise you to stop succumbing to them."

"I am emotions Athena, art is not something you can create without them."

She shrugs, clearly not interested in this debate.

"I'll see you soon brother, my soldiers await me on the battlefield. I need to show Ares that he's brutal force is nothing compared to my strategy."

She flashes away in the flock of feathers.

Years are less than the blink of an eye for a god.

He is standing on Troy's walls, looking at the man climbing them.

He is wearing Achilles' armour but Apollo is Truth, no disguisement can deceive him.

He kicks down Patroclus three times but the boy is persistent.

When he set foot on the wall for the fourth time, he sends him down with divine force, the blow hurting Patroclus when he touches the ground.

For an instant, he lays unmoving.

Enough time for him to get swarmed by Trojans, but still he puts up a impressive defence.

But he is no match for Hector, whose face when he discovers the trickery falls.

Hector will die before Achilles

When Achilles pierces Hector's throat, Apollo watches mournfully and horrified the treatment reserved of the prince of Troy.

Truly, Achilles has no respect in the gods.

But Hector is dead, which means Achilles will be soon.

There is no mistaking the wish of the son of Thetys to die. He lunges himself on the battlefield but no opponent is strong enough to face him and win.

He repeats a name constantly, his voice yearning for him.

Patroclus, Patroclus, Patroclus, Patroclus

Apollo hates Achilles for killing his son.

But he understands the loss of a lover.

Hyacinthus, Hyacinthus, Hyacinthus, Hyacinthus

So, he gently takes Paris' trembling arms, strings the bow who releases Achilles from his torment.

When the warrior falls, an arrow embedded in his talon, a smile adorns his face.

After his death, the war continues as it was fated.

Illium falls.

And Apollo watches.

[linelpisffxiv]

Why does Terpsichore Hate Lahabrea?

So, before Pandae even existed, I had a headcanon based on the Lahabrea we knew tied to the trio.

Some of his most beloved assistants (along with himself) deliberately created a certain kind of lab accident in hopes of superkids. Of those, three were located easily. Terpsichore had two parents in the blast, and Emet and Hyth had one each (Emet's dad, and Hyth's mom respectively). There may or may not be more. I have a few on my list of Possible. But these three were given a specialized education by the convocation themselves, and Lahabrea wanted the three in certain roles. But the previous Azem retired before it could be properly set in motion. And controlling three seats was going to be easier, so Teri was put in that role. Azem also was... not as they hoped. They thought it was wander around saving people, but in truth, before them, the several past Azems did nothing to help those outside of places of key importance. Those outside the city thought Azem was a myth until they came about. Azem traveled, yes, but they reported only to the convocation to keep those in key locations compliant.

Then I saw Pandaemonium, so it just went to there instead. Easier to have fanatical devotees away from the city. Also at this time, with the introduction of Venat as Azem, I decided that Teri's birth parents returned to the star in case someone (cough venat cough) thought it odd that something happened to various people tied to Lahabrea.

Then 6.2 happened and it just got shifted to Athena who did this. Lahabrea became a semi-heroic figure in it, that he pieced it together, and while he had to sacrifice his son to his wife to prevent her from getting too curious, he saved the ones he could. But he also didn't tell them the truth. He was scared it would break them. His banning Teri from Elpis was the same. Given Teri literally has the power to listen to the songs of the Underworld and almost got corrupted once, he had to prevent them from going to this place. Best case scenario: There's no songs but Teri finds out about Erich. Worst case scenario? Teri gets corrupted by Pandae and songs coursing through it.

Teri was hoping to be the guiding star by pretending to be the alleged minion of theirs (A semi-closely guarded secret is that there's a distance limit to their creation magicks. They could not make one in Elpis without being there), but perhaps hopes the fake familiar would be there to help.

[my-name-is-apollo]

Do you know if Apollo danced in Ancient Greece? I know Ártemis does but I remember any myths with Apollo dancing

Homer’s hymn to Apollo, you can see Him dancing among the Gods in an Olympian party. Homer writes that Apollo plays His lyre and dances, “stepping high and featly” and that “radiance shines around him, the gleaming of his feet”. This is the only hymn I’ve come across where Apollo is dancing. 

However, it’s said that Apollo trained all the muses in arts. So He would have danced while teaching it to Terpsichore. Even though it’s not mentioned that Apollo dances regularly in the parties, it’s stated that Muses and young goddesses who dance are led by Him. Apollo is also the one who looks upon choral dances of boys, while Artemis takes care of the ones for girls. 

Owing to His Wartime functions, Apollo also presided over war-like dances. Gymnopaedia is a festival dedicated to Apollo, where young boys and girls perform war-like dances to honor Apollo and show off their strengths. He also had 7 children, with Thalia, together called Korybantes, who were the Gods of Korybantic dance which included “armoured men with clashing spear and shield, accompanied by the beat of tambourines and drums and the cries of the mystic devotees”.

In modern times, ballet became very closely tied with Apollo. So, if He has to get associated with dances so much, in spite of the scarce representation of His dancing form in mythologies, I think there must have been more to this aspect of His, which are lost today and are overlooked in the texts that have survived.

[freckles-n-kisses-blog]

✨DANCING AND WORSHIP✨

I don’t know about anyone else, but I LOVE dancing! I’ve been dancing since I came out of my mother. Ballet is my favorite style, but I always get asked the same thing- “Sky, how do you dance and include it in your worship of the theoi?”

First of all, I’m an Apollon devotee, and music has ALWAYS been such a huge part of my life. I can play 5 different instruments, sing, and dance! But how does that tie in with the theoi?

To be honest, it doesn’t. It ties in with two, Apollon and Terpsichore. But, by showing that I love the music, and dedicating everything I feel and every move I make in those two to three minutes I’m on stage- THAT’S my worship. That’s my way of saying “Thank you for putting me where I am, thank you for giving me life, thank you.” Nice rituals are nice, and I still do that as well as TONS of offerings to make sure they know I’m thankful, but it’s the small stuff we do in our lives that shows how truly thankful we are.