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Which Greek god had the most male lovers?

Published in Greek Mythology 2 mins read

The Greek god Apollo is considered to have had the most male lovers, and is even called the "champion of male love."

Apollo: The Champion of Male Love

According to the provided reference, Apollo, the god of sun and music, wasn't just any deity in the Greek pantheon. He held a special place as the patron of same-sex love. This isn't merely a minor detail; it's a core aspect of his mythological identity. Andrew Callimach even labels him "the champion of male love," underscoring the extent of his associations with male lovers.

Key Points About Apollo's Role:

  • Patron of Same-Sex Love: Apollo is specifically associated with and seen as a patron of love between men.
  • Numerous Lovers: The reference notes he had "many" male lovers, showcasing a significant number of relationships of this nature.
  • Blessing Homosexual Unions: His invocation in blessing homosexual unions highlights his role not just as a participant but as a figure who legitimizes and protects these connections.

Apollo in Context:

The information provided directly indicates Apollo’s significant role within Greek mythology regarding male same-sex relationships, positioning him as the most prominent god known for having multiple male lovers. Unlike other gods who might have had affairs across the spectrum, Apollo’s association with same-sex love is emphasized in the text.

Supporting References

The reference provided from Andrew Callimach reinforces the claim: "Apollo, the god of sun and music, is considered the patron of same sex love, as he had many male lovers and was often invoked to bless homosexual unions. He is also called 'the champion of male love' by Andrew Callimach."

In Conclusion:

Based on the available reference, Apollo's status as the "champion of male love" and his role as the patron of same-sex love, as well as the statement that he had "many male lovers", makes it clear he had more male lovers than other Greek gods.

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