Classical Mythology

250 THE MYTHS OF CREATION: THE GODS

Then Phoebus Apollo knew in his heart why the beautifully flowing spring,

Telphusa, had tricked him. In anger he went to her and quickly he was there;

standing very near her, he said: "Telphusa, you were not about to deceive my

intelligence and keep this desirable place for you to put forth your beautifully

flowing water. Here, to be sure, will be my glory, and not only yours." He spoke

and lord Apollo, the far-worker, pushed on top of her a massive shower of rocks

and hid her flowing stream; and he built an altar in the forest grove very near

her beautifully flowing fountain. There all pray to Apollo under the name Tel-

phusian because he shamed the stream of holy Telphusa.

APOLLO RECRUITS CRETANS TO SERVE AS HIS PRIESTS

Then Phoebus Apollo thought deeply about what people he would bring in as

his priests who would serve him in rocky Pytho. While he was thinking this

over, he noticed a swift ship on the wine-dark sea. On it were many fine men,

Cretans from Minoan Cnossus, who perform sacrifices to their lord and make

Apollo Delphinius. Attic red-figure hydria by the Berlin painter, ca. 480 B.C.; height 202 in.

(Detail above) Apollo rides over the sea in a winged tripod, as dolphins leap above the

waves and fishes and an octopus swim below.

(Page 251)