"Come, my Apollo Patroos! Beloved of my heart, You who are dearest to me, You who are first in my life. Oh, mighty slayer of the Python, My handsome, lovable God. Bless me, Bring me good things, Bring me happiness and guide my life. And may I please you in every way, for I love you my Golden-haired Father, with all my heart."
This musical composition arose naturally during ritual and has evolved into the song below. It is intended to be sung a capella or with a simple accompaniment of a drum and bell or triangle. Don't worry too much about the rhythm, just learn the melody and go along with the meaning quite spontaneously.
Interpreting the hymn: Thunder is Zeus; Apollo speaks the will of Zeus, therefore he echoes the voice of Thunder. Patroos means "father." Aelios, the Sun, is ruled by Apollo. Freedom is the specific quality of Apollon, and exemplifies the character of his position in the Twelve Orphic Steps, that of the Ninth Oikos. The force of the Light of Apollon reveals and destroys all obstacles and it exposes the fragility of Ego, the deceiver who imprisons us like a Hydra. Finally, medicine, healing, and music are all governed by Apollon.
This hymn was written by the contemporary composer Kallimachus, not the ancient poet from Alexandria. Kallimachus is the religious name of James Van Kollenburg.
To download the sheet music for Hymn to Apollon by Kallimachus: Hymn to Apollon sheet music
To download the audio to the hymn, click here: Listen to the Hymn
HYMN TO APOLLON by Kallimachus, also known as Jim Van Kollenburg
Apollon! Echoing the Voice of Thunder.
Apollon! Like a lighthouse when I blunder.
Apollon Patroos beside the briney.
Apollon, the God with Golden hair.
“Apollon, the Sun is shining brightly;
Aelios is sparkling through the Air.”
Apollon! Armed with Freedom and with power.
Apollon! Makes the Hydra quake and cower.
Apollon! How we love you, Apollon.
Apollon! How I love you, Apollon.
Apollon! Making music so delightful.
Apollon! Bearing wisdom so insightful.
Apollon Patroos beside the briney.
Apollon, the God with Golden hair.
“Apollon, the Sun is shining brightly;
Aelios is sparkling through the Air.”
Apollon! Teaching every means of healing.
Apollon! Every obstacle revealing.
Apollon! How we love you, Apollon.
Apollon! How I love you, Apollon.
There is an older version of this hymn. It is a little different and some people may prefer it. Therefore I leave the music below. To hear this older hymn, click on the link. You will be downloading the MP3 file, so if you have a slow Internet connection, please be patient: Listen to Hymn
