underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

I made this a while ago but it's relevant to this blog so boom. enjoy lmao

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

OUR WINNER

Our winner went up against some POWERFUL opponents. And yet, despite it all, swept through the competition without even a flinch.

He has fortitude.

He has the nerve.

He had the goats.

He is our winner.

BRANCHUS ! ! ! ! ! ! !

(Branchus art by @literallyjusttoa and Apollo sprite by @amiti-art)

(The goat pics I found online lol)

Who doesn't love a shepherd boy?

After all, Branchus isn't just the winner of this poll.

He is also...the GOAT.

(i'm wheezing you have no idea how hilarious I find this lmao)

And of course, let's give a round of applause to our runner-up!

HECUBA, QUEEN OF TROY AND MOTHER TROILUS

And our bronze medalist!

RHOEO, PRINCESS OF NAXOS AND MOTHER OF ANIUS

Shout-out to Helenus, our fourth-placer!

(Helenus art by @luddlestons)

:D I'm very glad this went well! A few times I saw about 50 people voted on a few poles, which is cool because the goal of this poll was to not only find out the best underrated lover Apollo had, but to also just to bring attention to all these people.

They each have a story to tell - cute, complicated, loving, ect.

There's one last thing to mention.

Since we've done the lovers...why not the kids? >:3

See you in @best-apollo-kid-mythology-poll where we will see who will emerge the best Apollo kid! :D

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

Not to worry :3

We know our winner hehe but I've got an official post waiting to announce that. Need to give it a few tweaks and hopefully it'll be up soon!

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

22 HOURS REMAIN

FINAL

*Please Read*

I advise everyone to read each contestant's story to get a well-rounded understanding of each entry. I urge you to not just vote for the one "you know best". I have everyone's stories/reasons why they should win under the cut.

(Branchus art by @literallyjusttoa)

Propaganda:

Branchus

What's The Love Story?

Apollo disguised himself as a goatherd one day soon after killing Python and Branchus came across him, fell instantly in love with the beautiful shepherd, and kissed him. Apollo was just as enamored with Branchus as he was with him and granted him prophetic abilities, as well as a crown and magical staff!!

Going back some years to Branchus's birth, you could say that his mom received a vision of his future as a lover of Apollo - she dreamt that a glowing sun went into her mouth and through her stomach.

Also, since Apollo met Branchus soon after killing Python, he's probably Apollo's first lover EVER! Which is SO COOL APOLLO'S FIRST LOVE WAS A SHEPHERD BOY THE BISEXUALITY IS REAL

also also, an altar was built on the place where Branchus kissed Apollo <3 true love <3 and prophecies from Branchus were second only to Delphi itself, so Branchus got some STAR TREATMENT

Why Should They Win?

First Love = First Boyfriend <3 the queer is strong in this one

Yooooung Loooove Vibes TM

THEY WERE ADORABLE I NEED MORE OF THEM WHERE ARE MY BRANCHUS FICS

Hecuba

What's The Love Story?

Hecuba was the Queen of Troy during the Trojan War. She had many children with her husband, Priam, but she also had a son with Apollo, Troilus, who was killed by Achilles inside Apollo's temple. :(

When the Troy was sacked, one version states that Apollo rescued Hecuba and brought her to safety in Lycia. <3

Why Should They Win?

This shows that even after Apollo's relationships end, he still cares about them <3

Kids?

Troilus. RIP :( he died too young

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

FINAL

*Please Read*

I advise everyone to read each contestant's story to get a well-rounded understanding of each entry. I urge you to not just vote for the one "you know best". I have everyone's stories/reasons why they should win under the cut.

(Branchus art by @literallyjusttoa)

Propaganda:

Branchus

What's The Love Story?

Apollo disguised himself as a goatherd one day soon after killing Python and Branchus came across him, fell instantly in love with the beautiful shepherd, and kissed him. Apollo was just as enamored with Branchus as he was with him and granted him prophetic abilities, as well as a crown and magical staff!!

Going back some years to Branchus's birth, you could say that his mom received a vision of his future as a lover of Apollo - she dreamt that a glowing sun went into her mouth and through her stomach.

Also, since Apollo met Branchus soon after killing Python, he's probably Apollo's first lover EVER! Which is SO COOL APOLLO'S FIRST LOVE WAS A SHEPHERD BOY THE BISEXUALITY IS REAL

also also, an altar was built on the place where Branchus kissed Apollo <3 true love <3 and prophecies from Branchus were second only to Delphi itself, so Branchus got some STAR TREATMENT

Why Should They Win?

First Love = First Boyfriend <3 the queer is strong in this one

Yooooung Loooove Vibes TM

THEY WERE ADORABLE I NEED MORE OF THEM WHERE ARE MY BRANCHUS FICS

Hecuba

What's The Love Story?

Hecuba was the Queen of Troy during the Trojan War. She had many children with her husband, Priam, but she also had a son with Apollo, Troilus, who was killed by Achilles inside Apollo's temple. :(

When the Troy was sacked, one version states that Apollo rescued Hecuba and brought her to safety in Lycia. <3

Why Should They Win?

This shows that even after Apollo's relationships end, he still cares about them <3

Kids?

Troilus. RIP :( he died too young

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

SIX HOURS LEFT

(Rhoeo art by @amiti-art & Helenus art by @luddlestons)

Propaganda:

Rhoeo

What's The Love Story?

Her dad was THE worst and when he found out she was pregnant he didn't believe her that the father of the baby was a god so he put her in a wooden chest and threw into the sea. Jokes on him because Apollo was baby's father so Rhoeo made it safely to Delos. She gave birth to Anius and placed him on the alter in Apollo's temple and asked him to save the baby if he was truly his (idk why he needed saving tbh, the myth does not specify this. I headcanon that he was born too early)

Apollo then took Anius and not only saved him but also started to raise and mentor him.

Rhoeo later married Zarex who adopted Anius so our boy had 3 parents, good for him. And there are no myths about her dying a horrible death so she probably had a long and happy life (unlike some other lovers of Apollo 🙃)

Also around the same time Rhoeo got thrown into the sea in that wooden chest, while her sisters were watching over their dad's wine, it got destroyed by the swines. The sisters were so terrified of their father they decided to jump of the cliff but Apollo saved them and turned them into goddesses.

Why Should They Win?

I think Apollo truly loved her not only as a lover but as a friend too. It was not a one night stand like often happens in the myths. He loved her enough to save not only her and their son but also her sisters (like come on he turned them into goddesses). He let her live on his sacred island. And he loved her enough to let her go. While gods are often very possessive of their lovers (Apollo included, rip Koronis), he had no problem with Rhoeo moving on and getting married. I like to think that they stayed good friends and Apollo was very happy that she found such a great guy like Zarex to marry.

Kids?

Anius

Helenus

What's The Love Story?

Helenus was the son of Priam and Hecuba of Troy! He's also the twin of Cassandra, and received the gift of prophecy from Apollo. Apollo also gave him an ivory bow that Helenus used to shoot Achilles in the hand with :3

Why Should They Win?

I know we all love Hector X Apollo, but this is a really good one too! Especially considering the Apollo's relationship with both Helenus & Cassandra!

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

(Rhoeo art by @amiti-art & Helenus art by @luddlestons)

Propaganda:

Rhoeo

What's The Love Story?

Her dad was THE worst and when he found out she was pregnant he didn't believe her that the father of the baby was a god so he put her in a wooden chest and threw into the sea. Jokes on him because Apollo was baby's father so Rhoeo made it safely to Delos. She gave birth to Anius and placed him on the alter in Apollo's temple and asked him to save the baby if he was truly his (idk why he needed saving tbh, the myth does not specify this. I headcanon that he was born too early)

Apollo then took Anius and not only saved him but also started to raise and mentor him.

Rhoeo later married Zarex who adopted Anius so our boy had 3 parents, good for him. And there are no myths about her dying a horrible death so she probably had a long and happy life (unlike some other lovers of Apollo 🙃)

Also around the same time Rhoeo got thrown into the sea in that wooden chest, while her sisters were watching over their dad's wine, it got destroyed by the swines. The sisters were so terrified of their father they decided to jump of the cliff but Apollo saved them and turned them into goddesses.

Why Should They Win?

I think Apollo truly loved her not only as a lover but as a friend too. It was not a one night stand like often happens in the myths. He loved her enough to save not only her and their son but also her sisters (like come on he turned them into goddesses). He let her live on his sacred island. And he loved her enough to let her go. While gods are often very possessive of their lovers (Apollo included, rip Koronis), he had no problem with Rhoeo moving on and getting married. I like to think that they stayed good friends and Apollo was very happy that she found such a great guy like Zarex to marry.

Kids?

Anius

Helenus

What's The Love Story?

Helenus was the son of Priam and Hecuba of Troy! He's also the twin of Cassandra, and received the gift of prophecy from Apollo. Apollo also gave him an ivory bow that Helenus used to shoot Achilles in the hand with :3

Why Should They Win?

I know we all love Hector X Apollo, but this is a really good one too! Especially considering the Apollo's relationship with both Helenus & Cassandra!

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

OUR FINALISTS ARE

BRANCHUS V RHOEO

HELENUS V HECUBA

SEE YOU AT THE FINALS AND THIRD PLACE TOURNAMENT

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

ONE DAY LEFT

Round 4: Poll 1

*Please Read*

I advise everyone to read each contestant's story to get a well-rounded understanding of each entry. I urge you to not just vote for the one "you know best". I have everyone's stories/reasons why they should win under the cut.

(Branchus art by @literallyjusttoa and Rhoeo art by @amiti-art)

Propaganda:

Branchus

What's The Love Story?

Apollo disguised himself as a goatherd one day soon after killing Python and Branchus came across him, fell instantly in love with the beautiful shepherd, and kissed him. Apollo was just as enamored with Branchus as he was with him and granted him prophetic abilities, as well as a crown and magical staff!!

Going back some years to Branchus's birth, you could say that his mom received a vision of his future as a lover of Apollo - she dreamt that a glowing sun went into her mouth and through her stomach.

Also, since Apollo met Branchus soon after killing Python, he's probably Apollo's first lover EVER! Which is SO COOL APOLLO'S FIRST LOVE WAS A SHEPHERD BOY THE BISEXUALITY IS REAL

also also, an altar was built on the place where Branchus kissed Apollo <3 true love <3 and prophecies from Branchus were second only to Delphi itself, so Branchus got some STAR TREATMENT

Why Should They Win?

First Love = First Boyfriend <3 the queer is strong in this one

Yooooung Loooove Vibes TM

THEY WERE ADORABLE I NEED MORE OF THEM WHERE ARE MY BRANCHUS FICS

Rhoeo

What's The Love Story?

Her dad was THE worst and when he found out she was pregnant he didn't believe her that the father of the baby was a god so he put her in a wooden chest and threw into the sea. Jokes on him because Apollo was baby's father so Rhoeo made it safely to Delos. She gave birth to Anius and placed him on the alter in Apollo's temple and asked him to save the baby if he was truly his (idk why he needed saving tbh, the myth does not specify this. I headcanon that he was born too early)

Apollo then took Anius and not only saved him but also started to raise and mentor him.

Rhoeo later married Zarex who adopted Anius so our boy had 3 parents, good for him. And there are no myths about her dying a horrible death so she probably had a long and happy life (unlike some other lovers of Apollo 🙃)

Also around the same time Rhoeo got thrown into the sea in that wooden chest, while her sisters were watching over their dad's wine, it got destroyed by the swines. The sisters were so terrified of their father they decided to jump of the cliff but Apollo saved them and turned them into goddesses.

Why Should They Win?

I think Apollo truly loved her not only as a lover but as a friend too. It was not a one night stand like often happens in the myths. He loved her enough to save not only her and their son but also her sisters (like come on he turned them into goddesses). He let her live on his sacred island. And he loved her enough to let her go. While gods are often very possessive of their lovers (Apollo included, rip Koronis), he had no problem with Rhoeo moving on and getting married. I like to think that they stayed good friends and Apollo was very happy that she found such a great guy like Zarex to marry.

Kids?

Anius

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

Round 4: Poll 2

*Please Read*

I advise everyone to read each contestant's story to get a well-rounded understanding of each entry. I urge you to not just vote for the one "you know best". I have everyone's stories/reasons why they should win under the cut.

(Helenus art by @luddlestons)

Propaganda:

Helenus

What's The Love Story?

Helenus was the son of Priam and Hecuba of Troy! He's also the twin of Cassandra, and received the gift of prophecy from Apollo. Apollo also gave him an ivory bow that Helenus used to shoot Achilles in the hand with :3

Why Should They Win?

I know we all love Hector X Apollo, but this is a really good one too! Especially considering the Apollo's relationship with both Helenus & Cassandra!

Hecuba

What's The Love Story?

Hecuba was the Queen of Troy during the Trojan War. She had many children with her husband, Priam, but she also had a son with Apollo, Troilus, who was killed by Achilles inside Apollo's temple. :(

When the Troy was sacked, one version states that Apollo rescued Hecuba and brought her to safety in Lycia. <3

Why Should They Win?

This shows that even after Apollo's relationships end, he still cares about them <3

Kids?

Troilus. RIP :( he died too young

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

Round 4: Poll 1

*Please Read*

I advise everyone to read each contestant's story to get a well-rounded understanding of each entry. I urge you to not just vote for the one "you know best". I have everyone's stories/reasons why they should win under the cut.

(Branchus art by @literallyjusttoa and Rhoeo art by @amiti-art)

Propaganda:

Branchus

What's The Love Story?

Apollo disguised himself as a goatherd one day soon after killing Python and Branchus came across him, fell instantly in love with the beautiful shepherd, and kissed him. Apollo was just as enamored with Branchus as he was with him and granted him prophetic abilities, as well as a crown and magical staff!!

Going back some years to Branchus's birth, you could say that his mom received a vision of his future as a lover of Apollo - she dreamt that a glowing sun went into her mouth and through her stomach.

Also, since Apollo met Branchus soon after killing Python, he's probably Apollo's first lover EVER! Which is SO COOL APOLLO'S FIRST LOVE WAS A SHEPHERD BOY THE BISEXUALITY IS REAL

also also, an altar was built on the place where Branchus kissed Apollo <3 true love <3 and prophecies from Branchus were second only to Delphi itself, so Branchus got some STAR TREATMENT

Why Should They Win?

First Love = First Boyfriend <3 the queer is strong in this one

Yooooung Loooove Vibes TM

THEY WERE ADORABLE I NEED MORE OF THEM WHERE ARE MY BRANCHUS FICS

Rhoeo

What's The Love Story?

Her dad was THE worst and when he found out she was pregnant he didn't believe her that the father of the baby was a god so he put her in a wooden chest and threw into the sea. Jokes on him because Apollo was baby's father so Rhoeo made it safely to Delos. She gave birth to Anius and placed him on the alter in Apollo's temple and asked him to save the baby if he was truly his (idk why he needed saving tbh, the myth does not specify this. I headcanon that he was born too early)

Apollo then took Anius and not only saved him but also started to raise and mentor him.

Rhoeo later married Zarex who adopted Anius so our boy had 3 parents, good for him. And there are no myths about her dying a horrible death so she probably had a long and happy life (unlike some other lovers of Apollo 🙃)

Also around the same time Rhoeo got thrown into the sea in that wooden chest, while her sisters were watching over their dad's wine, it got destroyed by the swines. The sisters were so terrified of their father they decided to jump of the cliff but Apollo saved them and turned them into goddesses.

Why Should They Win?

I think Apollo truly loved her not only as a lover but as a friend too. It was not a one night stand like often happens in the myths. He loved her enough to save not only her and their son but also her sisters (like come on he turned them into goddesses). He let her live on his sacred island. And he loved her enough to let her go. While gods are often very possessive of their lovers (Apollo included, rip Koronis), he had no problem with Rhoeo moving on and getting married. I like to think that they stayed good friends and Apollo was very happy that she found such a great guy like Zarex to marry.

Kids?

Anius

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

"There is also a story where he kills his lover turned enemy in a boxing match ". Could you tell this story please ? ( and dude sometimes Apollo really doesn't have luck )

Oohh definitely! So this dude was called Phorbas, and he was this rough, tough and buff guy, a Thessalian prince of Lapith race. At what point they became lovers is not known. Phorbas was actually initially a good guy. So the story goes like this:Once, people from Rhodes come to Apollo’s oracle, seeking help to get rid of some monstrous snakes that have inhabited their island. Apollo’s tells them to go and ask for Phorbas’ help. Phorbas does help them, and frees the people of Rhodes from the torment. To which people call him “the dragon slayer”, a title which Apollo is given as well. At this point Phorbas is a hero. Aannnd after that, he turns kinda crazy, and starts to seize the roads that lead to Delphi, and trouble the travellers. He sends his army to plunder Delphi and loot it’s wealth. Apollo deals with this army by causing earthquakes and plague. So Phorbas makes his army stay away from that place, on the banks of a local river. And he, on his own, starts living under an oak-tree in Delphi, and this tree served as his Royal quarters. He begins preying on the pilgrims who’d come to visit Delphi. Old people, women, children are captured by him and are sent to his army to hold them hostage for ransom. And to men who are stronger, he forces them into contests, like boxing, running race and discus throw. Because he is much stronger and savage, he obviously defeats all those who compete against him. And those who lose have to forfeit their lives; he would chop their heads off, and hang it on his oak-tree, or add it to the heap of skulls he had collected. People become more and more terrified. And in spite of Apollo’s patience, Phorbas shows no sign of stopping. And so, finally, Apollo comes down one day, to free the roads from Phorbas. As it previously happened with the other mortals, Apollo is pulled into a boxing match. Soon, Apollo defeats Phorbas and ends the match. And because he’s a God, the power in his blows ends Phorbas’ life as well. And somehow, a fire from the heaven falls onto the oak-tree and burns the tree……and later Apollo places his dead ex-lover in the sky, by turning him into a constellation The eeeennnnd. I feel so bad for Apollo. Even without his fault, his lovers go away from him. Idk what came upon this Phorbas dude. Like sure, lemme cause havoc at my bf’s fav place that’s gonna impress him SO MUCH that we might end up having a date in the boxing ring! *sigh* he really has no luck sometimes.

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

Winners of Round 3!

Melia V Branchus

Manto v Rhoeo

Helenus V Phorbas

Ourea V Hecuba

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

LESS THAN 2 HOURS

LIGHTNING ROUND 2 - GO!

*Please Read*

I advise everyone to read each contestant's story to get a well-rounded understanding of each entry. I urge you to not just vote for the one "you know best". I have everyone's stories/reasons why they should win under the cut.

(Helenus art by @luddlestons)

Propaganda:

Helenus

What's The Love Story?

Helenus was the son of Priam and Hecuba of Troy! He's also the twin of Cassandra, and received the gift of prophecy from Apollo. Apollo also gave him an ivory bow that Helenus used to shoot Achilles in the hand with :3

Why Should They Win?

I know we all love Hector X Apollo, but this is a really good one too! Especially considering the Apollo's relationship with both Helenus & Cassandra!

Phorbas

What's The Love Story?

Phorbas was a Thessalian prince who saved the island of Rhodes from a snake plague. When he died, Zeus put him in the stars as the constellation Ophiuchus for Apollo's sake, and in Plutarch's Numa, he's put on the same level of beloved by Apollo as Hyacinthus and Admetus!

High praise^

Why Should They Win?

GAY LOVE

But also because-

GAY CONSTELLATION LOVE

But in particular, APOLLO HAS A CANONICALLY LOVER-TURNED-CONSTELLATION STORY AND PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT.

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

LIGHTNING ROUND 2 - GO!

*Please Read*

I advise everyone to read each contestant's story to get a well-rounded understanding of each entry. I urge you to not just vote for the one "you know best". I have everyone's stories/reasons why they should win under the cut.

(Helenus art by @luddlestons)

Propaganda:

Helenus

What's The Love Story?

Helenus was the son of Priam and Hecuba of Troy! He's also the twin of Cassandra, and received the gift of prophecy from Apollo. Apollo also gave him an ivory bow that Helenus used to shoot Achilles in the hand with :3

Why Should They Win?

I know we all love Hector X Apollo, but this is a really good one too! Especially considering the Apollo's relationship with both Helenus & Cassandra!

Phorbas

What's The Love Story?

Phorbas was a Thessalian prince who saved the island of Rhodes from a snake plague. When he died, Zeus put him in the stars as the constellation Ophiuchus for Apollo's sake, and in Plutarch's Numa, he's put on the same level of beloved by Apollo as Hyacinthus and Admetus!

High praise^

Why Should They Win?

GAY LOVE

But also because-

GAY CONSTELLATION LOVE

But in particular, APOLLO HAS A CANONICALLY LOVER-TURNED-CONSTELLATION STORY AND PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT.

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

Round 3: Poll 4

*Please Read*

I advise everyone to read each contestant's story to get a well-rounded understanding of each entry. I urge you to not just vote for the one "you know best". I have everyone's stories/reasons why they should win under the cut.

Propaganda:

Ourea

What's The Love Story?

Ourea is a nymph, and daughter of Poseidon! When Apollo and Poseidon were in Laomedon's service in Troy, she and Apollo got together. They had a son named after Troy, Ileus, who Apollo loved very much.

Why Should They Win?

All I can think about is Ourea skipping to the walls of Troy each day to flirt with Apollo in front of her dad lmao

Kids?

Ileus! :3

Hecuba

What's The Love Story?

Hecuba was the Queen of Troy during the Trojan War. She had many children with her husband, Priam, but she also had a son with Apollo, Troilus, who was killed by Achilles inside Apollo's temple. :(

When the Troy was sacked, one version states that Apollo rescued Hecuba and brought her to safety in Lycia. <3

Why Should They Win?

This shows that even after Apollo's relationships end, he still cares about them <3

Kids?

Troilus. RIP :( he died too young

[underrated-lovers-of-apollo-poll]

Round 3: Poll 3

*Please Read*

I advise everyone to read each contestant's story to get a well-rounded understanding of each entry. I urge you to not just vote for the one "you know best". I have everyone's stories/reasons why they should win under the cut.

(Helenus art by @luddlestons)

Propaganda:

Helenus

What's The Love Story?

Helenus was the son of Priam and Hecuba of Troy! He's also the twin of Cassandra, and received the gift of prophecy from Apollo. Apollo also gave him an ivory bow that Helenus used to shoot Achilles in the hand with :3

Why Should They Win?

I know we all love Hector X Apollo, but this is a really good one too! Especially considering the Apollo's relationship with both Helenus & Cassandra!

Phorbas

What's The Love Story?

Phorbas was a Thessalian prince who saved the island of Rhodes from a snake plague. When he died, Zeus put him in the stars as the constellation Ophiuchus for Apollo's sake, and in Plutarch's Numa, he's put on the same level of beloved by Apollo as Hyacinthus and Admetus!

High praise^

Why Should They Win?

GAY LOVE

But also because-

GAY CONSTELLATION LOVE

But in particular, APOLLO HAS A CANONICALLY LOVER-TURNED-CONSTELLATION STORY AND PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT.