#apollo's anecdotes

[apolloette]

okay fine it's pride month so time to admit I am also cool with they/them pronouns. Still she/her also; still a lady; I'm just also My Own Nebulous Thing. a genderqueer lady. hope this makes sense, hope this helps, hope this causes everyone immense confusion, xoxo, memento mori, we are all ash and bones at the end of the day

[peachdoxie]

It's like yeah actually the most important thing is growing old with the people you love.

[tarnia2]

When I was a child, my uncle referred to Steven Universe as "the show where the boy has a diamond in his bellybutton". I calmly told him it was a rose quartz.

Guess who was right.

[corvidquartz]

Funny Interaction I Just Had With Apollo

Me: *minding my own business while at work; watching Markiplier and sipping on some Mountain Dew*

Apollo: *makes his presence known*

Me: Oh! Hello sir!

Apollo: *says nothing*

Me: Um...is there something you wished to speak to me about?

Apollo: *says nothing still; the energy akin to a puppy tilting its head ever present now*

Me: ...*raises eyebrow as I feel a sudden urge to look at my Mountain Dew*

Apollo: ...

Me: ...*looks around, then at my Mountain Dew, then back up again*

Apollo: 0-0

Me: Um...did you want some?

Apollo: :D

(I dunno if it's because of the citrus-y taste, the fizz, or what have you, but he REALLY wanted to have some. I think he just wanted me to figure that out on my own. XD)

[literallyjusttoa]

I think I'm gonna make a reblog chian of all the little phrases and Apollo uses throughout ToA, now that I'm rereading it. Bc like, he has such a unique way of speaking, and I really wanna dig into it, you know? Ok let's start.

He says "heavens help me" instead of "heaven help me" using the plural the same way demigods do with "oh my gods". I'm guessing this is an acknowledgment of other pantheons? Or I'm looking too far into it, I've just never heard this phrase with a plural "heavens" before.

He calls Cade and Mikey "Ruffians" . And he makes fun of the arrow for being Shakespearean.

He also refers to people as "Mortals" a lot here, which I remembered him doing, but now I want to keep track and see if he keeps that up throughout all the books, or if it peters out near the end.

"I thought how amusing it would be if I could make the snake tattoos around his neck come alive and strangle him to death" I honestly love how violent Apollo's thoughts can be sometimes. Like, you can tell he's someone who has done shit like this before.

I also want to keep track of all the little anecdotes Apollo brings up, so we'll start with the guitar contest against Chuck Berry in 1957, which apparently ended with him getting repeatedly stomped on.

"But something told me this was not she" II love how it's the little things that really get across how old Apollo is. Rick could've easily just said "It wasn't her" or something, but instead he had Apollo phrase this in a way that is far more formal, and more reminiscent of the grammatical patterns of old english. Idk it's just really cool.

(Side note that's not connected to Apollo: Meg's glasses are black? I feel like I've been living a lie, I've been coloring them red for years lol)

God his metaphors are just so striking. Like, I can imagine the phrase "Whatever was left of my pride turned into ice water and trickled into my socks" but I don't want to, because that's such a visceral feeling. I like that Apollo inadvertently proving how poetic he is by making the reader as uncomfortable as possible.

I think I'm gonna start crying out "Horrors!" when I'm upset to. I think I deserve that level of drama.

ahh the classic "My blessings upon you!" Again, I love how every little line characterizes him. Either it's overly formal, like before, or subtly arrogant, like here, or both. It's so fun.

I need to write him saying "Sacred Sibyl!" more. Because that is such a fun little term. Rolls right off the tongue, honestly.

I think I'm gonna leave it there for now, but trust that I will definitely be adding more to this later. Bc Lester-speak is so fun to really look into.

[saint-hymn]

I think it was much like the flow of this story. Slow realization. Some molasses-thick self-fulfilling prophecy.

My accent in interpretation will be horrible, but bear with me: first is the trust put in the dream. Trust that he knows how to do this by heart. It beats, fresh and bloody, percussion to his legislation. Shout to the empty seats. Truth hidden fifty seats empty. Enrapture the audience. Make them dance to your tune. Down the cliff, Piper. Internalize it.

(Tangentially related: cWilbur is never just himself. He is always a costume. Always a role. The revolutionary, the president, the outcast, the terrorist, the dead, the un-living, the penitent, the coward.)

The rot settles. They lost. He spreads his arms—I am a slow burning fuse—and the crowd shifts uncomfortably. Performance for the sake of truth. Made bloody in a way that sets your nerves on fire with the sticking and clotting on skin. Feel the ravine's breath. Has it not become colder? Paranoia in his fists echoing on stone walls. Do we not hear anything yet of the noise of the gravediggers who are burying his dream? Do we not smell anything yet of L'Manburg's decomposition?

Perform for an audience of none. Count and scream to the putrefaction. No one's paying to listen to the Idiot Doom Spiral's shaky drivels; they all bled under a knife no one wants to wipe. Who drove it in? Was the ex-president's failed coup de grace, dying dream sputtering and shrieking in terror still? The new killing the old? Viscera spilled on mizbeach for the love of the game? Incompatible dreams tearing each other apart?

Truth was not laid bare, I think. I think it was ripped out of the floorboards, the foundations; violently made to show itself. You will see the real; something messy, sticky, unplanned, repulsive, a performance made true. Desperation boils. The rot suffocates. Scratched-out words on stone walls. Fingers thick with gunpowder; hear, hear, the prophet of Holy Trinitrotoluene. The deafening choir of shockwaves and shrapnel. His voice cracks and breaks with his land and his ribs. A corpse bows. Exit stage left. Amen.

I am on break at work and it shall be around 2:55 pm when this reaches you, so I cannot properly respond as is- though if you truly want a sample of my writing, I’ll see if I can gather some. A long ask ahead for that one, along with some shorter responses, perhaps a chainsaw instead of a scalpel if you want to reach the core.

Also, to the other anons and folks so intrigued by this all- I had no idea I’d garner such an audience to my study! I hope it doesn’t affect the results. Perhaps it should stay on stage for just a bit longer, the anonymity is fun.

To throw on one note of a caw though- I will not correct you but add on: it’s the concept of clay being carved. It does not hurt, it does not weep, but then once you are human you look back and see that would’ve hurt if I were different. I am different. Does it hurt? Despite the fact that there is no wound at all.

—studying anon (or whatever nickname, I accept all. See you soon!)

it would've hurt. Now, here, we're beholding each brushstroke of the knife-that-was and questioning the absence of pain then that would have been something if we were what we are now. I'm understanding the steps to this dance.

Hello again! Then, by the time I've answered the ask it should be... 8:30 AM-ish for you? I feel like a backstage worker that's gotten yanked to the limelights. Know now that I am only the scribe, Apollo, typewriter and painter but never the figure never the muse. Pardon my dust.

If anything, you're gaining novel data by putting me in an entirely new environment. I've only ever written for two-three pairs of eyes, never an audience, never this open, never splayed in a game and a dance I'm new to. It's a welcome change of pace! Please, I'll put the obsidian down and get a Husqvarna running for you.

Here, something for you, again, for the sake of wanting to hear your thoughts: what do you think about self-martyrization to empty seats, blood spilling for an empty altar—unhearing god? There is no salvation offered through a self-imposed suffering. Messiah to none. Holding onto the hurt thinking there is virtue in the red. The cage is open. Walk out. There's naught left, so why insist on holding onto it? Suffering framed as a masterpiece but it bored everyone to death.

[taniahylian]

Bessmert vs Vertin: Different ways of recording eras

So, after finishing the 1.9 event and pretty much confirming that the "Friend from afar" that writes articles for UTTU is Bessmert, I started reflecting on what she does, compared to Vertin, because at the end of the day they're quite similar characters, but with some key differences.

First of, they're both recording eras, but for their own reasons and in their own way. Vertin was given this task by the foundation, presumably so they'd have more information of how the storms work and how they affect historical events (plus, the way Manus interferes), while Bessmert seems to be driven by her own desire to share what she experiences in the form of articles and/or books, which leads me to the second difference; the medium.

Vertin takes pictures of everything she deems worthwhile, as we learn in the prologue, and also presumably makes some paintings, both of which are purely visual mediums. Meanwhile Bessmert, for obvious reasons, could never use those, and instead turns to writing.

But the major difference, imo, is what they choose to record. Bessmert writes about historical events (the theft of the world-famous rimmet cup, and how an unknown little town in the middle of nowhere saved itself and became prosperous) or major geological arcane discoveries (Pei city and it's Divination, and presumably Aperion and it's magical cave). Meanwhile Vertin records what she herself, personally, finds interesting; the single mother who wrote a play about the transantartica expedition, and a girl who had a collection of a futbol player photos are a few examples. Of course, some of the pictures she took happen to be of historical events, like the Apollo 11 launch, but they're not all she records.

What's even more interesting, however, is how Bessmert detaches herself from the narrative; she's never a protagonist in the stories she writes, and she doesn't try to influence their course or make connections with the people she meets; she's simply an observer. In Shuori she was forced to participate in the the story due to circumstances beyond her control, but even then what she wrote about the event seemed to be more like... collections of geological and cultural observations, rather than anecdotes of the people she met, or what she felt during the events.

Vertin, on the other hand, tends to be an active protagonist in any story she is in. See Green Lake and Uluru, for example; she interacted with the characters, helped them, used whatever resources she had to influence the story for the better, etc. Not only that; she formed personal connections and even invited them to the foundation and her suitcase, because this is the most valuable thing that Vertin deems worth preserving of each era; the people she meets and the bonds she made.

Vertin goes against the wishes of the foundation, to record what she sees without sparing any feelings for the people she met, while Bessmert... well, she really would be the ideal Timekeeper, wouldn't she?

[winxanity-ii]

⌜Godly Things | Chapter 23 "Chapter 23 | blessings and burdens⌟

╰ ⌞🇨‌🇭‌🇦‌🇵‌🇹‌🇪‌🇷‌ 🇮‌🇳‌🇩‌🇪‌🇽‌⌝

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The following day, news had spread throughout Ithaca like wildfire. Word of your divine favor and the miraculous healing of the young cabin boy had ignited a spark of awe and curiosity among the townsfolk.

As you went about your morning chores, you couldn't help but notice the change in how people looked at you. Their faces, usually so familiar and open, now held a mixture of reverence and mystery. Whispered conversations would pause as you passed, and some would even make the sign of a blessing in your direction, their eyes wide with respect.

When you delivered Queen Penelope's breakfast, her reaction was even more enthusiastic than the whispers in the corridors.

Her face lit up with a mixture of pride and excitement as soon as you entered her chambers. "Oh, my dear!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together as you set down her tray. "Everyone's been talking about what happened at the docks! This is such wonderful news!" Her eyes sparkled with delight, and she reached out to grasp your hands, squeezing them warmly. "Would you like a celebration? It's not every day we have someone marked by Apollo himself under our roof!"

You were taken aback by her energy and the speed at which she spoke, her words tumbling out in a joyful rush. "I always knew there was something special about you, right from the start. It's only fitting you'd be Apollo's chosen. Such grace, such talent!" She continued to praise your virtues, recounting anecdotes of your time in the palace that she believed had hinted at your divine favor.

Her rapid chatting was suddenly interrupted by a knock at the door. A servant, slightly out of breath from haste, peeked inside. "Begging your pardon, Your Majesty, but King Odysseus requests ____'s presence immediately."

Penelope waved the servant away with a gentle hand. "Of course, send her in once we're done here," she said, turning back to you with a conspiratorial smile. "You see? Even the King recognizes your newfound importance. Go on, don't keep him waiting. We'll plan your celebration later!"

Nodding, you excused yourself with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation churning in your stomach. As you made your way to King Odysseus's quarters, the weight of your new reality felt both exhilarating and daunting.

Each step seemed to echo louder in the halls, as if even the palace itself was aware of the change within you. When you finally reached the heavy oak door of the king's quarters, you paused, taking a deep breath before your knuckles rapped softly against the wood. The sound seemed to resonate too loudly in the quiet corridor.

"Come in," a voice called from inside, its timbre resonant and commanding yet inviting.

Pushing the door open, you stepped into a room that starkly contrasted Penelope's elegant and warmly decorated chamber. Odysseus quarters were austere and solemn, reflecting his years of hardship and battle.

The walls were lined with maps and weapons, and a large, heavy desk dominated the room, scattered with scrolls and plans. The only decoration that seemed out of place in the otherwise martial room was a beautifully carved chess set positioned on a small table near the window, where natural light spilled across the board, highlighting the intricately detailed pieces of dark and light wood.

Your gaze fell on the man himself.

Odysseus sat by the window, much like his wife often did, yet whereas her presence seemed to soften the sunlight, his seemed to sharpen it. His eyes, perceptive and piercing, watched you as you entered, assessing your every move as though deducing your thoughts.

He gestured to the seat opposite him at the chess table. "Come, sit," he invited, his voice holding an edge of warmth. "Would you care to play a game? It helps me think."

You hesitated, aware of the metaphorical weight such a game might carry, especially played against a man famed for his strategic brilliance. But refusing would be discourteous. Nodding, you moved to the indicated chair and sat down, your hands slightly trembling as you reached out to arrange your pieces.

Odysseus observed your movements, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Chess is a good reflection of life, don't you think? A constant battle of wits, strategy, and foresight."

You nodded, unsure of how to respond, your fingers hesitantly moving a pawn forward. As the game began, Odysseus's demeanor remained focused yet open, encouraging even. "Congratulations on receiving Apollo's favor," he began, his tone blending seriousness with a hint of curiosity. "It's a rare gift, one that carries both honor and burden."

You paused, fingers resting on a bishop you were considering moving. The straightforwardness of his approach took you by surprise, especially given your status as a servant. It wasn't common for a king to discuss matters of divine favor so openly with someone in your position. "Thank you, sir," you responded, carefully moving the bishop. "It's... overwhelming, to say the least."

Odysseus chuckled softly, nodding in agreement as he captured one of your pawns. "I can imagine. Dealing with the gods is no small matter. They play their own games, ones that span lifetimes and often have rules only they fully understand."

You considered his words, moving your knight to a safer position on the board. "How does one prepare for such a thing? For interacting with gods?" you asked, genuinely seeking his counsel.

"Ah," Odysseus leaned back slightly, studying the chessboard with a tactician's eye. "You must always remember that the gods are not like us. They think and act on a scale we can hardly comprehend. Be respectful, but not servile. Be thoughtful, but not open. Show them that you are grateful for their attention, but not dependent on it."

The advice struck a chord with you. Respectful but not servile—like walking a tightrope of diplomacy and self-preservation. "And what if they ask for something difficult? Something that could change who I am?" you questioned, your hand hovering over the queen.

"Then you must weigh the cost," Odysseus replied, moving his queen to a more aggressive position. "Every favor from a god is a transaction. Think carefully about what you're willing to give, and what you're willing to lose. Sometimes, the wisest move is to refuse, or to negotiate."

Negotiate with a god. The idea seemed daunting, almost absurd, but coming from Odysseus—a man who had dealt with gods and their caprices—it held a certain weight. You moved your queen, taking one of his knights. "Have you... ever refused a god, sir?"

Odysseus smiled wryly, capturing your rook with his queen. "I have. It's not something I'd recommend doing lightly, but yes. Sometimes, standing your ground is necessary. Just be sure the hill you choose to die on is worth the battle."

The metaphor resonated with you, especially given the stakes you were beginning to understand came with divine favor. "I'll keep that in mind," you said, feeling the gravity of his advice settle over you.

Odysseus studied you for a moment, then offered a nod of approval. "Good," he said, his voice carrying a mix of warmth and formality that put you at ease. It was a side of him you had rarely seen, the wise king who had navigated wars and the whims of gods, now offering guidance in a game that felt more consequential than any chess match.

The conversation had brought you a kind of peace and allowed you to see firsthand the wisdom Telemachus and Polites had often spoken of—words that did no justice to the experience of hearing it directly from Odysseus himself. His advice made you feel secure, seen, and surprisingly understood, even in the complexity of your current situation.

In a moment of unexpected confidence, driven by the newfound trust and the comfort of his wisdom, you found yourself speaking before fully thinking it through. "There's something else I should mention," you began, your voice steadier than you felt.

Odysseus raised an eyebrow, a gesture inviting you to continue.

"I've... also received a divine lyre from Apollo," you said, swallowing the lump that suddenly formed in your throat. "It was delivered to me by Hermes." The admission felt monumental as soon as the words left your mouth, revealing a connection to another deity that you hadn't fully acknowledged aloud until now.

Odysseus blinked, a moment of surprise crossing his features before settling into an understanding nod. "Oh," he said simply, processing your revelation about Hermes. You confirmed his presence in your life, explaining how the god had occasionally guided you, much like Apollo had shown his favor.

He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips as if amused by the complexities of divine interactions with mortals. "It seems the gods find you as interesting as we do," he remarked, his tone light but turning serious again. "You must be quite special to attract the attention of not just one, but two gods."

The words 'quite special' echoed in your mind, mingling with a mix of pride and apprehension. It was one thing to be favored by Apollo, quite another to realize that Hermes, too, saw something in you worth engaging with.

"Dealing with one god can be challenging enough," Odysseus continued, his voice tinged with a humor that suggested personal experience. "Two is a rare and complicated path. You'll need to be cautious, but also bold. Remember, the gods are not infallible. They have their whims and their personalities. Treat them as you would any powerful, capricious monarch."

The advice sunk in deeply, framing your divine encounters in a new light—one that required not just reverence but also a strategic respect. "I will remember that, sir," you replied, your response filled with a genuine gratitude for his guidance.

Odysseus nodded once more, approvingly. "You are welcome here anytime, ____. It's clear you have a role to play in the days to come. And remember, if ever you need counsel, my door is open."

You felt a rush of gratitude for his support, bolstered by his acknowledgment of your role during his absence—how you had been a pillar for Penelope and a support to Telemachus. "Thank you, your majesty. That means more than I can say."

As the chess game continued, it appeared Odysseus was leading, his strategy unfolding with experienced precision. However, as the end drew near, a twist in your tactics caught him off guard. With a gentle checkmate, you claimed a surprising victory.

Rising from your seat with a respectful bow, you thanked him for the game and the conversation. "It's been enlightening, King Odysseus."

He dismissed you with a warm smile, his eyes reflecting a mix of respect and curiosity. "Go on, then. We'll speak again soon, I'm sure."

As you exited the room, the weight of his words and the unexpected outcome of the game left you contemplating the depth of strategy, both in chess and in dealing with the divine—a lesson you knew would serve you well in the days to come.

☆

☆

The rest of the day passed in a blur, the morning's clarity dissolving into the steady rhythm of palace life. You navigated through your duties with a mind still echoing with Odysseus's advice, his words a constant undercurrent to your thoughts.

Evening found you quietly relieved when the dinner bell rang, signaling an end to the day's obligations. The meal was a lively affair, filled with the usual chatter and clinking of cutlery, but you found yourself only half-listening, your gaze often drifting to the flickering flames of the candles that lit the dining hall.

After dinner, you excused yourself early, claiming fatigue—a not entirely false pretext. Your chambers welcomed you with their familiar, comforting solitude. You changed into your nightgown, a simple garment that felt blissfully soft against your skin after the day's garb.

Settling into bed, you reached for the candle by your bedside, the flame casting a warm glow across the room. Just as your fingers grazed the candlestick to snuff out the light, a soft chuckle stopped you dead in your tracks.

Startled, you smothered a yelp, hastily turning towards the sound. Your heart raced as your eyes landed on the figure now standing by your window—a figure both imposing and impossibly familiar.

"Apollo," you breathed out, a mix of awe and reproach in your tone as you clutched the sheets to your chest. The god of music and healing gave you an apologetic smile, his presence filling the room with a warmth that seemed to dance in the air.

"I hope I didn't frighten you too much," Apollo said, his voice a soothing balm despite the surprise of his sudden appearance. "I couldn't help but come visit. I wanted to see how you were managing."

You blinked, the initial shock slowly giving way to a surreal realization that the god himself was truly standing before you. "It's... quite a surprise," you managed to say, your voice steadier than you felt. "But I'm... well, thank you."

Apollo moved closer, the moonlight spilling through the window casting his divine features in a soft, ethereal light. As he approached, you couldn't help but notice the way the light seemed to dance around him, not just illuminating his form but enhancing it, making him appear as if he was part of the very essence of the moon itself.

Clearing your throat, you decided to tell him about your recent encounter with Artemis, his sister. His expression shifted slightly, a brief flicker of embarrassment crossing his divine features as you recounted the experience. "She was... intense," you said, choosing your words carefully.

Apollo let out a soft chuckle, running a hand through his hair—an oddly human gesture. "Yes, that sounds like Artemis," he admitted, his voice tinged with a brotherly exasperation that made him seem more approachable, more relatable. "I apologize if she was too forward. She can be quite protective... and direct."

You smiled, shaking your head slightly. "It's alright. It was actually kind of sweet, in a way," you said, your voice soft. "It's clear she cares a lot about you. The bond between siblings is something very pure, isn't it?"

Apollo's gaze softened as he looked at you, a warmth spreading through his eyes that made your heart flutter slightly. "It is," he agreed, his voice gentle. "And it's a bond that can teach us a lot about loyalty, about unconditional support."

He paused, his eyes lingering on you as if seeing you in a new light. "You have a way of seeing the good in things, ____. It's one of the reasons I... Well, it's why I find myself drawn here, to you."

The room seemed to hold its breath, the only sounds the gentle night breeze whispering through the open window and the distant call of a night bird. It was a stillness that felt almost tangible, as if the night itself had paused, acknowledging the significance of the divine presence in your simple room.

Apollo's gaze remained fixed on you, intense yet gentle, and after a moment, he perked up, a new curiosity coloring his tone. "Did you enjoy the sigil the other day?" he asked, his voice light but carrying an undercurrent of genuine interest.

You blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in conversation. The sigil—that unexpected manifestation of golden light that had seemed to acknowledge and amplify your healing abilities. "Yes, I... it was unexpected," you admitted, your voice a mix of wonder and slight confusion. "What was it, exactly?"

Apollo's lips curved into a small, knowing smile as he shifted, settling himself on the edge of your bed with a grace that only a god could manage. The mattress barely dipped under his weight, his presence as light as it was profound. "I thought you might appreciate a little... confirmation," he explained, his voice soft, as if sharing a secret. "A sign of my support. It's been dark for you for so long, hasn't it?"

You nodded, the truth of his words striking a chord within you. The recent times had indeed felt shadowed by uncertainties and trials that often seemed too much to bear alone. "I did appreciate it," you confessed, smiling faintly at the memory of the inexplainable feeling you felt during your healing of the cabin boy. "Thank you, Apollo. I didn't expect it, but it helped. More than you know."

Apollo's gaze softened further, and he reached out, his hand briefly touching your own. The contact was brief but filled with a warmth that seemed to radiate directly from his divine essence. "I'm glad," he murmured. "And you should know, there's more I can show you, do for you. You've only just begun to explore what's possible with my favor."

The promise in his words was heady, thrilling yet daunting. You were about to respond when Apollo continued, his voice dropping to a near whisper as he leaned closer. "I'm here not just to guide or to watch. I want to be part of your journey, to help illuminate the paths you choose."

The sincerity in his expression, the depth of his commitment to your well-being—it all resonated deeply within you, stirring a mix of emotions. Gratitude, certainly, for his divine support, but also a new sense of responsibility that came with his favor. It was a daunting prospect, the weight of divine expectations, but also an exhilarating one.

"You've brought light to my path already," you told him, your voice steady despite the quickening of your heart. "I... I hope I can make you proud."

Apollo's smile was radiant, almost blinding in its brilliance. "You already have," he assured you, and then, with a playful wink, he added, "And I expect great things from you, my chosen."

His tone was light, but then, his smile faded into a more serious expression as he leaned closer, his voice lowering to a murmur that barely disturbed the quiet of your room. "But you must be careful," he cautioned, his gaze intensifying as he searched your eyes. "Not all who watch you wish to see you thrive."

He paused, letting the silence hang for a moment to ensure you grasped the gravity of his warning. "There is a particular goddess whose interest you have piqued," he continued, his voice a soft yet firm whisper. "She is drawn to stories like yours, to the plays of power and affection. Her ways are capricious, and she delights in weaving passion and jealousy as one might weave threads in a tapestry."

His eyes held yours, intense and searching, "Be wary of any boon that seems to echo the desires of the heart. I cannot always be here to deflect her whims."

Your heart tightened at his implication.

The reference was clear without naming names—Aphrodite, the goddess of love, known for her domain of love of all kinds. Apollo's mention of heart's desires brought an unspoken warning about Telemachus too, hinting that what felt like genuine affection might also be a thread in a larger game, woven by divine hands.

Your stomach turned at the thought—No. You're not doing this... not now.

Getting your mind back on track, you cleared your throat. "I understand," you responded, your voice steady despite the turmoil that his words stirred within you. "Thank you, Apollo, for your guidance and for looking out for me."

Apollo's gaze softened, and he reached out, his hand brushing your cheek in a tender gesture that seemed to promise protection. "Guard your heart, little muse," he whispered, his breath warm against your skin. "And remember, not all that glitters in the moonlight is gold, not all who wander are lost, but all who meddle are not friends." His face was so close you could count the flecks of gold in his eyes, his presence enveloping you in a protective cocoon.

Your heart quickened, and subconsciously, you found yourself leaning in, drawn by the magnetic pull of his nearness. His eyes held yours, steady and unwavering, a silent promise lingering in his gaze. "Goodnight, little muse."

Then, like a whisper on the wind, he was gone. The sudden absence of his warmth left a cold spot in the room, but the lingering touch on your cheek felt like a balm, a reminder of his visit and his vow of protection.

As you sat there, the silence of the night wrapping around you once more, you felt a mix of exhilaration and apprehension. Apollo's visit had brought both comfort and a warning, and as you lay down to sleep, his words echoed in your mind, a lullaby laced with a cautionary tale.

The night closed in, soft and dark, and you drifted off, the memory of Apollo's touch a gentle echo in the quiet of your dreams.

A/N: kinda short but i just had to do some apollo-service ha! also, surprise, double update! incasse you guys wanted to know, second semester just began so updates may be just posted like this (several chapter at once) just because ya girl is in honors and have to complete assignmnets so gpa doesnt drop! thx you all for supporting me on all my works, you guys have been amazing 😭 now if you guys will excuse me, i shall go sleep/hibernate for 12hrs ❤️

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[light-of-delphi]

On Worshipping Lord Apollo;

I've decided to start a little series about the deities I worship, have worshipped, and will worship in the future. I've always found posts like these to be more helpful and, if I can help anyone, I think this is an amazing way to to so. In this post, I'm going to cover a lot, so buckle up! And I will make a master post for all of the posts I make in this series.

First up! Lord Apollo.

Hands down, he is the deity with whom I have the most experience and personal anecdotes. Apollo has been in my life since the very beginning. I go into a little bit more detail in this post, in which I detail how I view him as a worshipper, my patron, and a godspouse. For information's sake, however, I will try to keep this post a little bit more factual than UPG. UPG stands for "Unverified personal gnosis", which refers to a spiritual belief that stems from intuition or personal spiritual experience. So, while UPG may seem to line up with mythos or just "make sense" for the deity, it varies from practitioner to practitioner and from relationship to relationship. With that being said, I'll focus mostly on the facts with some little bit of advice thrown in from your older brother :)

Correspondences!

First, let's talk correspondences. Consider this a little cheat sheet if you will.

☀︎ You can refer to him by Apollo / Apollon, typically he will clarify which. Many regard him as "Lord Apollo/n", though it is fully dependent on your relationship with him. I drop the Lord unless I'm praying or invoking him, such is the nature of our relationship. For the sake of this post, I shall be referring to him formally as Lord Apollo.

☀︎ He has... a lot of epithets. You can view them here (theoi.com) if you'd like to see a full list.

☀︎ Apollo is typically associated with Sunday, and such is associated with the Sun.

☀︎ He has many sacred animals - The raven, dolphin, swan, mouse, and wolves.

☀︎ Tarot-wise, he is associated primarily, and most commonly, with The Sun. He has also been associated with The Star, though I do not see this one in many sources.

☀︎ He is the God of a plethora of things. The Sun (he is responsible for pulling it across the sky), Light, Poetry, Music, the arts, plague, prophecy, logic and reason, truth, beauty, agriculture, and archery. I am sure I'm missing things. And if you know other deities to be associated similarly, that is okay. Many Gods can share domains and rule over certain things.

☀︎ He is associated with the colors red, white, orange, yellow, and gold!

☀︎ Symbolically, he is related to the Sun, the Lyre, the Bow and Arrow, and the Laurel Wreath.

☀︎ For incense, he is linked to frankincense, myrrh, cypress, clove, cinnamon, and bay.

But that is a lot of correspondence. What can we do with these? Why, I'm glad you asked! With this list of correspondences, we can start to worship Apollo by the book. These would be some more traditional things that would assist you in learning what you want to offer him, what to associate with him, and what you should keep an eye out for. In a later section, I go over some familial ties that can prove useful as well.

Apollo, as an individual

Lord Apollo has typically been regarded as a "beginner deity." He is very easy to work with, incredibly receptive, and is universally known as being a little more laid back with things such as offerings, prayer, and worship. Though I've found all deities to be understanding of circumstance, there is no strict schedule unless you decide to adhere to one.

At the start of our relationship, I found Lord Apollo's energy to be rather bright. I was very new to picking up on spiritual energy and the metaphysical, so his energy felt very overbearing, and we did not spend much in-person time together because of this. He was understanding of my limitations, but he did not hesitate to push these limitations as much as he could for my personal development. This is something he continues to do to this day.

While he does tend to carry himself rather relaxed and carefree, he has no issue being serious and stern whenever needed. If there were signs he was sending me and I would intentionally ignore them because they pointed in directions I did not like, he would respond sternly and ferociously, forcing me to face the negative sooner or figuratively shoving my nose in the signs so I couldn't avoid it. If I needed to face a brutally honest truth, he had no issue being brutally honest. This makes sense, considering he is the God of Truth and Knowledge.

Lord Apollo is also very playful. He's easily excitable. He loves seeing the people he works with make good progress. And if you take a few steps back, depending on your relationship, he is absolutely there to catch you. He is reliable and present. Additionally, he likes attention. He absolutely adores being talked about, thought about, referenced, and thanked. He adores being said good morning to, or even just getting a wave. Some people regard such deities as "high maintenance", but I really just consider it part of his character.

You have every right to decline to work with a deity, by the way. Don't feel as though there's any obligation to work with every deity that is considered "of your skill level", as there is no such thing, and you should only work with a deity once you are ready. The Old Gods do not come with stats above their head and white text that says "PREFERRED LEVEL." They are Gods. You should not get involved with them if you do not feel ready. And even if you feel ready, there is no pressure to invite them into your life.

Worshipping Tips!

This one is a bit lengthy. Apollo, being one of the twelve Olympians, has a lot of lore surrounding him. But this gives us a lot to work with! You can devote time to him in a lot of ways. This involves worshipping or leaving offerings to his family!

His mother is Leto, his father is Zeus, and his twin sibling is Artemis. Familially, he is not married to anyone, but he has had a series of lovers. One account says he was, at one point, a lover to Hekate and together they had Skylla, a sea monster. Though this is unusual. He was said to be a lover to each of the Nine Muses but married none. He fell in love with a myriad of nymphs; Aethusa who birthed Eleuther, Akakallis who birthed him twins Philanderos and Philakides, Daphne who was turned into a laurel tree, and more. There's famously Hyacinthous, a prince, who was accidentally killed. Hymenaeus, another prince, and Cyparisus, another prince, who died of grief and was transformed into the cypress tree.

This gives us a whole lot to work with. Especially for offerings! You can leave him a lot of things:

☀︎ Cypress tree leaves or seeds. ☀︎ Bay leaves ☀︎ Laurel leaves ☀︎ Sun imagery - charms, pictures, drawings, anything. ☀︎ Crystals - Sunstone, citrine, tiger's eye, amber, bumblebee jasper, orange selenite, carnelian, and other yellow, red, or orange stones. ☀︎ Coffee, energy drinks, or anything with caffeine in it. ☀︎ Citrus! Oranges and lemons! Grapefruit! ☀︎ Flowers - Hyacinths, sunflowers, orange roses, larkspur/delphinium, palm, aloe, or any plant that reminds you of him. ☀︎ Instruments - String instruments are the main thing people offer, however you can offer him any instrument. ☀︎ Art - Things you made. Drawings, sculptures, compositions, poetry, paintings, song lyrics, photography, literally anything you made with your two hands.

In terms of what you can do to worship him, there are a few things you can do.

☀︎ Maintain your physical and mental health. Go to the gym, take your medicine, and positively affirm yourself. ☀︎ Sing for or with him. Play an instrument. Learn an instrument! ☀︎ Write short stories or poetry. ☀︎ Go outside and bask in the sun for a little while. ☀︎ Say Good Morning and Goodnight; Thank him for pulling the sun across the sky. ☀︎ Write about him. ☀︎ Draw him offerings, or draw in his honor. Create in his honor. ☀︎ Do a paint-and-sip class, or follow a Bob Ross tutorial. ☀︎ Pick up a new creative hobby. ☀︎ Volunteer at a local hospital or nursing home. ☀︎ Grow some of the plants that are sacred to him! ☀︎ Go to your local museum or art gallery. ☀︎ Support small artists! Support local artists! ☀︎ Create a hymn in his name and honor. ☀︎ Wear jewelry with his symbols on it. I wear a sun necklace! ☀︎ Wear perfumes or colognes that are citrus-scented or scented like any of his preferred incense.

At the end of the day, you can really do whatever you want for Lord Apollo if it reminds you of him. And you can give him whatever you want, so long as it reminds you of him. If you think that it may not mean anything to him, let me give you a bit of brotherly insight. Offerings were left for The Old Gods as a thank you. A form of appreciation for the divine from the physical, mortal plane. People left whatever they had. And if they had nothing, they would pray and hope to be heard. While offerings are not optional, remember that your words count, as well. Even if it seems small.

And if you have any questions, as usual, please ask!! I love talking about Apollo. Not only am I godspoused to him but he's one of my biggest hyperfixations and I absolutely love talking about him and spreading his teachings and information on him. So this is me begging you to ask me questions, ask me anything, literally anything in the comments or in my inbox I will eat it up. Maybe I'll open up a brotherly advice box or something. Non lo so, ma vedremo!

Blessed be, and may the sun be your guide! A domani!

[astraeajackson]

*apollo's anecdotes: game night with the olympians*

zeus, ONE point ahead of athena for the first time in a long-suffering game of scrabble: FINALLY

zeus, getting way ahead of himself: FELLOW OLYMPIANS, WE ARE GATHERED HERE TODAY TO WITNESS THE DEFEAT OF ATHENA, GODDESS OF WISDOM, WAR, AND LOSING

zeus: SUCK IT, DAUGHTER

apollo: *starts singing 'for the first time in forever' alongside zeus's cheers*

the fellow olympians in question: *start partying and throwing around congratulation bouquets*

athena:

athena, sighing dramatically: so sorry to cut the celebrations short so soon, father

athena: but I believe playing 'abraxial' here

zeus: holy me

athena: ...on a triple

zeus: HOLY ME

athena: puts me ahead by... five hundred thousand points

athena: meaning... I WIN

zeus:

athena: as they say...

athena: suck it, father

zeus: *proceeds to blast the top of a wholeass mountain off in his anger* WHY

[apolloette]

Me in canada for one (1) day, knowing full well that I have chronic No Money disorder: I am gonna move here :)

[peachdoxie]

I'd like to imagine that Apollo takes over as director at Camp Half-Blood after Dionysus's punishment is over. Even if he can't interfere with quests, he can at least help support demigods at Camp.

[apollo-phoebus]

i don't know everything about apollo in mythology unfortunately but i'm like. 90% sure one of his lovers burnt to death or something and he just. handed chiron the baby. i need to rewatch some videos on him.

"i feel like you could bottom hard enough to get pregnant from it—worked for me" so real of you actually <33

@apollo-phoebus (// I HAD TO. I LAUGHED SO HARD.)

i forget people can actually read my roleplays—i needa start tuning aeolus down maybe loll

[tarnia2]

I'm watching The Owl House with two friends who haven't watched it before and...

Friend: "What if King isn't a demon? What if he's some other creature?".

Me:

[incorrect-sunflower-sibs]

Will: My siblings and I are trying to piece together our father’s life based on the horrific anecdotes he’ll casually tell us and then never bring up again.

Apollo: Did I ever tell you guys about that one time I was almost cast into Tartarus by my father?

Kayla, whispering frantically: Write that one down!

[rosewater-28]

PT 1. WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO BE AT A PAJAMAS PARTY WITH THEM (DEMIGODS VERSION). 👬🏻 💤 🛏️ 🍬

The sons of…

🌩️ZEUS:

-I think it could be really fun to spend a night telling stories and anecdotes with them. -Apart from the fact that it would not be uncomfortable to sleep with them, you could feel safe.

🔱🌊POSEIDON:

-They would be very cool and funny. -Surely they would propose to you to do some prank and, when you went out in the middle of the night to prepare the prank, you would find Hermes' cabin about to do the same.

🌱🌾DEMETER:

-They would be cinamonroll. -You could confess your problems and vent without any worry, they will support you and give advice to solve them.

⚔️ARES:

-Although at first they may seem very rude (and some are), you will see that they can become great friends with whom you can chat for hours. -And if you seem reliable to them, they will show you their own collection of weapons.

🦉ATHENA:

-Maybe they are serious people on the outside, but believe me when I say that you can have incredible conversations with them. -They will talk about their ideas and theories, you will discuss super random topics and you will have a great time.

🏹☀️APOLLO:

-They will tell you all the gossip they know (it's a lot). -And in the middle of the night they will take out a little box/bag that they had hidden and in which they have stored a lot of candy, (the next day your tummy will hurt, without a doubt) .

🔨🔥HEPHAESTUS:

-They will be super excited because a friend has met them at a pajama party and they will begin to talk to you excitedly about all their projects, about the new developments in the mechanical market… (You probably don't understand half of what they say, but they are really fun and funny friends).

💘APHRODITE:

-They will (not surprisingly) have a lot more gossip to tell than Apollo's cabin. -Surely they will recommend a boy or girl at the camp who is single and later they will shower you with real compliments (they are experts in them). -You'll probably stay talking until the sun rises.

🪽📬HERMES:

-They would surely prepare some fun activity to do in the middle of the night. -They would also listen to you whatever you say to make you feel understood. -Finally when everyone was asleep they would show you their secret drawer where they hide a lot of food that they have been stealing from the dining pavilion.

🍷🍇DIONYSUS:

-I think that together you would get to talk about quite psychological topics or at least about serious topics. -Something that I am quite clear about is that if you are true friends, they will give you a can of Coca Cola that Dionysus gave them for completing a mission or goal.

I've been thinking that I love doing these types of posts where I comment on how demigods would be or react, so I hope to do more. (Obviously including pt 2 of this post). Bye bye! 😊