Personality: Before Apollo truly encounters humanity, he does not know his name or why he is the god of the sun. He assumes all humans are insects - meant to be crushed or act as entertainment to their "betters" (i.e. the gods). However once he finally reveals himself to his followers and discovers that they have named him "Apollo", he begins a slow, subtle transformation. Why do humans call out to the gods for aid? Why do they assume the gods will protect them or alter the weather to ensure they have a bountiful harvest? To him, everything has a time and place and he does naught to interfere with it. Thus he assumes, initially, that humans are just stupid.
Ganymede begins to alter his opinion about human stupidity, however, and he gains much amusement when the Prince of Troy calls him "demon" and claims that he will "kill him". No one has ever dared to approach him with such fierce anger or hatred and he decides that he much prefers Ganymede's company over Poseidon's - but that isn't so profound since Poseidon is far less intelligent (and less divine) than his brothers Hades and Zeus. (In fact, the god of the sea annoys him more often than not.)
He relates all of his opinions to his older sister Artemis and she agrees with him, which is natural for them. She is the one he most values in all the world and he believes no one is more beautiful than her. Yet after Poseidon decides to "make things fun" for the younger god, Apollo is presented with a sacrifice named Iris. She, like Ganymede, causes him to have profound questions about the nature of the gods and humanity. What really separates them?
It surprises him that both gods and humans can be bored. Additionally, he finally begins to understand why humans leave offerings and seek protection from the gods. They are remarkably fragile - yet far more intelligent and unique than insects. When Iris calls out for help when Hades frightens her, Apollo doesn't think twice about coming to her aid. But he is confused by Hades's warning about getting too close to those who are destined to die.
At least he doesn't comprehend it until Iris dies. She is sacrificed to him after she gains his favor and friendship and he misses her. He also understands, through his bond with her, that his beloved older sister - the one he always sought for advice - does not exist without him. In a way, he created her and she is not independent of him; she is his mirror image and there is nothing unique about her thoughts or actions.
Apollo mourns her loss too - or perhaps he mourns the truth. Regardless the effect is the same. After Iris, he spends more and more time with Ganymede. Their opposition doesn't change - not really - but something about it softens. They learn to exist side by side and Apollo offers Zeus's prisoner brief views of the future. (He also offers Ganymede a modicum of protection against Zeus's might when the god of the sky descends.)
The god of the sun will always be a brat - that is an indisputable fact. He loves pushing the barriers and seeing extreme reactions (which probably fits with his fiery nature). Yet he has times of profound reflection and it is easy to see that he is a young god feeling out the world - both his and the mortal world - for the first time. He visibly matures over the course of the manga and keeps a close eye on humanity - even after they stop worshipping him and the other gods (some of which he has never heard of (ex. Athena, Iris etc.).
In a way, he becomes closer to the ground than the sky, but that isn't surprising considering the sun's rays reach far. As long as a human remains in his sight - i.e. they are not confined in the realm of Hades - he will mark their progress and learn the full strength - and weakness - of the mortal race (which is how he finds Heinz).
And, if he is feeling merciful, he will share his findings with Ganymede - who has, for all intents and purposes, become Artemis's replacement.
:)
Ganymede begins to alter his opinion about human stupidity, however, and he gains much amusement when the Prince of Troy calls him "demon" and claims that he will "kill him". No one has ever dared to approach him with such fierce anger or hatred and he decides that he much prefers Ganymede's company over Poseidon's - but that isn't so profound since Poseidon is far less intelligent (and less divine) than his brothers Hades and Zeus. (In fact, the god of the sea annoys him more often than not.)
He relates all of his opinions to his older sister Artemis and she agrees with him, which is natural for them. She is the one he most values in all the world and he believes no one is more beautiful than her. Yet after Poseidon decides to "make things fun" for the younger god, Apollo is presented with a sacrifice named Iris. She, like Ganymede, causes him to have profound questions about the nature of the gods and humanity. What really separates them?
It surprises him that both gods and humans can be bored. Additionally, he finally begins to understand why humans leave offerings and seek protection from the gods. They are remarkably fragile - yet far more intelligent and unique than insects. When Iris calls out for help when Hades frightens her, Apollo doesn't think twice about coming to her aid. But he is confused by Hades's warning about getting too close to those who are destined to die.
At least he doesn't comprehend it until Iris dies. She is sacrificed to him after she gains his favor and friendship and he misses her. He also understands, through his bond with her, that his beloved older sister - the one he always sought for advice - does not exist without him. In a way, he created her and she is not independent of him; she is his mirror image and there is nothing unique about her thoughts or actions.
Apollo mourns her loss too - or perhaps he mourns the truth. Regardless the effect is the same. After Iris, he spends more and more time with Ganymede. Their opposition doesn't change - not really - but something about it softens. They learn to exist side by side and Apollo offers Zeus's prisoner brief views of the future. (He also offers Ganymede a modicum of protection against Zeus's might when the god of the sky descends.)
The god of the sun will always be a brat - that is an indisputable fact. He loves pushing the barriers and seeing extreme reactions (which probably fits with his fiery nature). Yet he has times of profound reflection and it is easy to see that he is a young god feeling out the world - both his and the mortal world - for the first time. He visibly matures over the course of the manga and keeps a close eye on humanity - even after they stop worshipping him and the other gods (some of which he has never heard of (ex. Athena, Iris etc.).
In a way, he becomes closer to the ground than the sky, but that isn't surprising considering the sun's rays reach far. As long as a human remains in his sight - i.e. they are not confined in the realm of Hades - he will mark their progress and learn the full strength - and weakness - of the mortal race (which is how he finds Heinz).
And, if he is feeling merciful, he will share his findings with Ganymede - who has, for all intents and purposes, become Artemis's replacement.