Module 4 overview and key concepts

¶ … successfully argue that Apollo has had the most eminent impact on Western Civilization out of any Greek god or goddess. This statement's veracity only increases when the choice of selecting the most influential god is limited between Apollo and Dionysus. As the god of wine, Dionysus is largely associated with revelry, celebrations, Saturnalia and celestial events such as the recent summer solstice. Yet the associations of Apollo are a lot more enduring and significant. Apollo is associated with the sun and poetry, two indelible facets of Western Civilization that have come to define, in some respects, that very civilization today.

As the god of poetry, Apollo has played a highly significant role in Western civilization. There have been a number of epic poems that are considered verifiable classics, as well as cultural aesthetes of Western Civilization, of which Apollo played a significant part of. Included in this literary canon are works such as the Odyssey, the Aenied, and the Iliad. As the god of poetry, Apollo is referenced by the poets who conceived of these works. Additionally, Apollo is the very personification of verses of poetry, which means that it is by his grace that the poets were able to receive the inspiration for their works. Finally, it is noteworthy to mention that all poetry was attributed to Apollo -- as such the classic literature conceived of and which defines western culture is a testament to Apollo's greatness.