Python in the ancient sources

Ancient Sources / Figures / Python

5 passages from 4 ancient authors that tell of Python, in the original with English translation, author by author in the order the Greeks read them. Python is a giant serpent in Greek mythology, known for guarding the sanctuary of Delphi until he was slain by Apollo, establishing Apollo's oracle. For the story in one place, read our article on Python.

Apollodorus (1)

Apollodorus, The Library (Bibliotheca), with the Epitome 1.4.1–5Leto, Apollo and Artemis; Python, Marsyas and OrionAsteria flees Zeus and becomes the island Delos, where the hunted Leto bears Artemis and then Apollo. Apollo takes over the oracle at Delphi by killing the snake Python, kills Tityus for assaulting Leto, and has Marsyas flayed after a musical contest. Artemis kills Orion on Delos, and two reasons are given, a challenge at quoits or violence against the Hyperborean maiden Opis; the section ends with Poseidon's children by Amphitrite.

Euripides (1)

Euripides, Iphigenia in Tauris 1234–1282Third choral song: Apollo's birth on Delos and the oracle at DelphiThe Chorus sings of the birth of Apollo and Artemis on Delos, and of how Apollo killed the Python, the guardian of the oracle at Delphi, and took the seat of prophecy. They sing that Earth, in anger, sent dreams to men at night, and that Zeus took away the dream-oracles, and they sing of Apollo's honour.

Ovid (2)

Ovid, Metamorphoses 1.416–451Apollo and the PythonThe earth, warmed by the sun, brings forth all kinds of creatures anew, and among them a huge serpent, the Python. Apollo ('Phoebus' in More's translation) kills it with his arrows, and in memory of the deed founds the Pythian Games, crowning the winners with oak leaves, since the laurel is not yet known.
Ovid, Metamorphoses 1.452–567Apollo and DaphneApollo ('Phoebus' in More's translation), proud of his victory over the Python, mocks Eros (Cupid) and his little bow, and Eros shoots him with a golden arrow that makes him love, and the nymph Daphne with a leaden arrow that makes her flee from love. Apollo chases her, pleading, and as he catches her she prays to her father, the river Peneus, and begins to change into a laurel. Apollo embraces the tree and says that it shall always be his, and that its leaves shall crown victors and stand at the gates of Augustus' house.

Strabo (1)

Strabo, Geography 9.3.9–12Delphi: Neoptolemus, the Python and the Pythian gamesStrabo tells of the early shrines at Delphi, the tomb of Neoptolemus and his killing by Machaereus. He describes the musical contest and the Pythian games after the Crisaean war, including Timosthenes's piece depicting Apollo's fight with the serpent Python. He then criticises Ephorus, who speaks of Apollo and Themis founding the oracle and Apollo killing Tityus and the Python, while claiming to reject fable.