If you’re into Greek mythology, you might have heard of Lore of Olympus — a popular webtoon that reimagines the Greek gods in a modern, dramatic style. But while it’s widely read and visually stunning, Lore of Olympus does a huge disservice to many gods, especially Apollo.
🌓 Apollo’s Portrayal in Lore of Olympus Is Harsh and Inaccurate
In the webtoon, Apollo is often shown as cruel, possessive, and even violent in ways that clash sharply with his mythological character.
But here’s the truth, based on the myths I’ve read:
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Apollo was a suitor for Persephone, but he didn’t persist or act maliciously after she married Hades.
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Apollo never assaulted or attempted assault except for the myth of Daphne — and even then, he was forced by Eros’s love arrow, not acting of his own cruel will.
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Apollo’s sister is Artemis, a fierce protector and warrior. Apollo would not dare risk her wrath by harming someone like Persephone.
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The story of Cassandra is often misunderstood: she was cursed by Apollo after she broke her promise to him, not simply because he “assaulted” her or tried to silence her.
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As for Creusa, the common interpretation that Apollo raped her is deeply flawed and misread — many sources clarify this was a tragic misunderstanding. (If you want a detailed analysis, I recommend reading this insightful post on Tumblr).
🔮 My Theory: Apollo and Eros’s Feud
Here’s something I’ve been thinking about: what if Apollo’s troubles and harsh portrayals come from a curse or grudge by Eros?
Apollo, the god of light and reason, once insulted Eros, the mischievous god of love and desire, and Eros never forgot.
Could this be why Apollo is sometimes depicted with such cruelty or obsession in later myths — a punishment for offending the unpredictable god of love?
⚖️ Why This Matters
Apollo isn’t just any god. He represents:
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Light, music, healing, prophecy, and reason.
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A complex figure who is not simply cruel or villainous.
Portraying him as a villain or abuser does a disservice not only to his mythic legacy but to the richness of Greek mythology as a whole.
Myths are complicated, with many versions and layers — but Lore of Olympus takes liberties that distort Apollo’s character in a way that feels unfair and inaccurate.
🌟 Final Thoughts
If you’re interested in Greek myths, don’t take Lore of Olympus as the full truth. Apollo deserves better — a portrayal that honors his complexity, power, and nuance.
And if you want to dig deeper into Apollo’s real myths, I’m here to help explore and explain them.
Would you like me to write a post unpacking other misrepresented gods in Lore of Olympus? Or perhaps a detailed breakdown of Apollo’s myths as they really are?
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