Origin: Greek/Roman Mythology
History: It all began when Zeus had an affair with Leto and impregnated her with twins Apollo and Artemis, Hera was quite angry, and sent Python, a huge serpent, to tourment Leto. The only place that would give her refuge was Delos, a floating island.
Leto gave birth to Apollo and Artemis, and thanked Delos by giving it four pillars to keep it in one place. Apollo was very angry over the fact that Python was after his mother, so he slew the creature.
Zeus was not pleased with Apollo, for Python was a child of Gaia, the Earth. Even after he demanded him to be purified at the temple, Apollo did so at Crete. He served as a slave to King Admetus for nine years, then returned to Delphi, where he had killed Python.
Symbolism: Perhaps, Python is the bane of birth? Certainly, the fact that no one would shelter Leto tells that Python was a powerful creature.
Physical Description: A huge serpent, but not descibed any further.
- Giants, Monsters, & Dragons by Carol Rose
For more information about these footnotes, please see the bibliography.
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© Kylie 'drago' McCormick.
Last updated: 4 October 2009