January 3rd- Apollo

Apollo has an eclectic selection of areas to look after. God of archery, music and dance, truth and prophecy, healing and diseases, the Sun and light, poetry, busy bloke Apollo. Son of Zeus and twin brother to Artemis. Patron deity of Delphi, home to the Delphic oracles, key for guidance on all matters of importance. 

Apollo could save people from illness and disease, but also cause epidemics by firing his arrows. The Greeks learned this to their cost in the Trojan wars, they captured the daughter of a priest of Apollo, and refused to return her. Offended, Apollo shot arrows in to the Greek camp causing disease to spread.
​ In this role as protector from disease, and also for his ability to avert evil he was heavily worshipped, with many major temples built all over the ancient greek world. 

Apollo was also the god of the young, overseeing their transition from childhood to adulthood. At the point that a boy became a man his long childhood hair would be cut off, and burned in sacrifice to Apollo. 
In winter months he goes north and rides on the back of a swan. His absence leads to a lack of warmth and causes winter. Unable to choose between them he was the lover of all 9 Muses, and also many men. Most famously Hyacintha spartan prince. They were practicing throwing the discus when Apollo's discus hit Hyacinth in the head. Apollo was grief stricken and out of Hyacinth's blood created a flower named after him. The festival Hyainthia was celebrated in Sparta commemorating this death and rebirth. 

This is the limited edition shade of Superfine Merino & Silk for today. You can find it in the online shop until stocks run out, and as always it forms part of the Buy 2 Get a third half price offer available on this fibre blend. I am happy to combine orders, but will need you to add a note when you purchase each day. I usually have a lot of orders to process on the first day back and without a note it's highly likely I will miss that you have multiple orders.