Apollo fates gay

A query arrived, presented with a rather indirect, hostile undertone, inquiring whether Apollo and Admetus genuinely shared a romantic bond within mythological narratives. The anonymous sender (Anon, as it were) purportedly expressed weariness, stating, "I'm utterly exhausted by individuals fabricating romantic pairings from purely platonic connections, much like the situation involving Achilles and Patroclus. We possess an abundance of gay partnerships already." Although I inadvertently removed it, I intend to address this question within the confines of the present article. All the necessary supporting proof, dear anonymous inquirer, will be provided for your consideration.

Indeed. Without a doubt, Apollo and Admetus were deeply involved romantically. Their relationship was characterized by profound affection; it was unequivocally a romantic attachment. They engaged in embraces, shared tender kisses, and intimately connected, among other expressions of affection.

To begin, Admetus, the sovereign of Pherae in Thessaly, held a reputation for his exceptional graciousness towards guests. Following Zeus's banishment of Apollo from Mount Olympus—a punitive measure taken either for the slaying of Python or for the destruction of the Cyclopes—Apollo spent a period of nine years in service to Admetus, acting as a herdsman. Admetus extended favorable treatment to Apollo, and in return, Apollo rendered him significant assistance, such as preserving him from Artemis's wrath and rescuing him from an untimely demise by artfully deceiving the Fates. While early literary works did not explicitly delineate the exact nature of their bond, from the era of the Alexandrian poet Callimachus (dating to the 3rd century BCE) onward, the romantic dimension of their connection has been repeatedly highlighted and underscored. Permit me to present several pertinent points:

1) According to Callimachus, in his "Hymn to Apollo," it is stated that "Apollo was inflamed with affection for the youthful Admetus." It is my hope that no further elucidation on this particular statement is required.

2) In his renowned work, "Ars Amatoria" (or "The Art of Love"), Ovid characterizes Apollo's deep affection for Admetus as a love devoid of conceit, one that compelled him to a state of humility.

Essentially, Ovid conveys the message that, when one is enveloped by love, it becomes imperative to discard one's ego and embrace humility, precisely as Apollo demonstrated in his devotion to Admetus.

3) Echoing Ovid's sentiments, Tibullus chronicles Apollo's humbling experience upon succumbing to his affection for Admetus. The implication conveyed is that Apollo's service to Admetus was not a compulsory act, but rather a voluntary undertaking, driven by his profound romantic feelings.

Tibullus proceeds to illustrate Apollo's self-domestication, a transformation brought about by his profoundly, utterly, and unequivocally intense romantic attachment.

This depiction of affection aligns with the concept known as "Servitium amoris," which translates to "the servitude of love." For indeed, Apollo had become enslaved by this powerful emotion. In his profound devotion to Admetus, he performed actions typically associated with servitude. Therefore, as one might infer, this relationship demonstrably transcends a mere platonic friendship.

4) Nonnus, in his "Dionysiaca," recounts that "Apollo, during his tenure as Admetos's herdsman, caring for his livestock, experienced the delightful wound of affection for him."

5) According to mythological accounts, upon being apprised of Admetus's impending demise, Apollo ingeniously manipulated the Fates, thereby enabling Admetus to elude the clutches of death (contingent upon another individual volunteering to substitute for him). This, in essence, represents an extraordinarily significant act. Firstly, it is crucial to note that Apollo undertook this action entirely unsolicited by Admetus. Admetus, for his part, never requested such an extraordinary boon. Should Apollo have been compelled to act autonomously, one can only ponder the immense distress he must have experienced contemplating the loss of his beloved. Secondly, to outwit the Fates themselves into releasing Admetus was an inherently perilous undertaking. Such an act could have easily incurred further divine retribution upon him; nevertheless, he proceeded with it. While I do not dispute that friendships can inspire acts of sacrifice, it seems abundantly clear that this particular instance goes far beyond that. It is akin to classifying Achilles and Patroclus merely as friends, even after becoming aware of Achilles's fervent desire for his cremated remains to be commingled with those of Patroclus.

6) It is a historical fact that Achilles and Patroclus shared a romantic relationship. Why, one might ask, does this truth prove so immensely challenging to acknowledge? It truly beggars belief. Indeed, I find myself at a loss concerning how to engage with individuals who persist in gainsaying their profound affection.

7) Let it be unequivocally stated, anonymous inquirer, that an excess of same-sex couples is an impossibility. Absolutely never.