The Childhood of Apollo
The Childhood of Apollo is a collection of poems by George William Russell that explores the mythological figure of Apollo and his journey from childhood to adulthood. The book delves into themes such as love, loss, and self-discovery through the lens of Greek mythology.
By George William Russell · First published 1908 · Genre: Mythology, Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction · 1,410 words
First lines
It was long ago, so long that only the spirit of earth remembers truly. The old shepherd Admetus sat before the door of his hut waiting for his grandson to return. He watched with drowsy eyes the eve gather, and the woods and mountains grow dark over the isles -- the isles of ancient Greece. It was Greece before its day of beauty, and day was never lovelier. The cloudy blossoms of smoke, curling upward from the valley, sparkled a while high up in the sunlit air, a vague memorial of the world of men below. From that, too, the color vanished, and those other lights began to shine which to some are the only lights of day. The skies dropped close upon the mountains and the silver seas like a vast face brooding with intentness. There was enchantment, mystery, and a living motion in its depths, the presence of all-pervading Zeus enfolding his starry children with the dark radiance of aether.
What this Textopian page supports
The Childhood of Apollo is listed on Textopian as a poem by George William Russell, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George William Russell
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mythology, Fantasy, Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Length: 1,410 words
- Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Mythology — The narrative centers around the mythological figure Apollo and incorporates elements of Greek mythology, such as gods and mystical experiences.
- Fantasy — The story includes fantastical elements like magical voices, divine encounters, and ethereal beauty, creating a sense of enchantment and wonder.
- Philosophical Fiction — The text explores profound themes such as the nature of beauty, the divine, and the connection between humanity and the cosmos.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is rich and descriptive, focusing on the inner experiences and emotions of the characters, with an emphasis on language and imagery.
Tags
mythology · Greek mythology · Apollo · childhood · coming of age · literary fiction · poetry · symbolism · nature · spirituality · imagination · art