Tonight, we’ll read the myth about a love triangle between mortals Idas, Marpessa, and the ancient Greek god Apollo. It is taken from “A Book of Myths” compiled by Jean Lang and published in 1914.

Apollo, the radiant god of the sun, poetry, and prophecy, was among the most revered of the Olympian deities. As the favored son of Zeus, king of the gods, he had direct access to his father’s wisdom and, at times, shared divine insights with humankind. Yet, despite his celestial nature, Apollo was no stranger to earthly emotions—his heart was often stirred by love, longing, and, when spurned, jealousy.

This tale is one of passion and rivalry, of a mortal man daring to challenge a god for the love of a woman. Marpessa, known for her beauty and grace, found herself at the center of this struggle, caught between the affections of a powerful deity and the devotion of a courageous suitor. When Apollo, in all his divine splendor, set his sights on her, he expected to claim her without question. But Idas, bold and resolute, would not relinquish his beloved so easily. Even the might of the gods cannot always dictate the course of the human heart.

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