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Apollo

Apollo

Apollo's temple

Apollo's Temple on Pollux IV

Greek mythology was in part reflective of a humanoid race that once visited the Mediterranean region of ancient Earth around 2700 BC. They were considered by Humans to be the Greek gods.

Humanity gradually outgrew the need of these gods until they were simply myths. Unable to survive without the love, admiration, and worship they thrived on, the aliens departed Earth and returned to their native world of Pollux IV. (TOS: "Who Mourns for Adonais?")

Despite their absence, Greek mythology remained a cornerstone of Humanity since many astrographic names, such as those of planets, trace their origins to Greek mythology.

Among the sources of Greek mythology were the Homeric Hymns. (TNG: "Darmok")

Characters of Greek mythology[]

Greek gods[]

Other mythological figures[]

Other concepts[]

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Background information[]

It is never revealed how long Apollo and the other Greek gods remained on Earth, with Apollo stating only that "it has been five thousand years". The earliest references to Greek mythology historically date from around 900BC, which would have been well after when Apollo states the Greek gods had visited Earth. Dialogue from Captain Kirk speculates that Apollo and his companions were the "basis" for Greek mythology, implying that there was a difference between the time the Greek gods actually lived on Earth and the eventual myths and legends which developed about them over a thousand years later.

The Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Icarus Factor" references the character of Icarus. (Star Trek: The Next Generation 365, p. 099) The Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Chimera" was named for the Chimera in Greek mythology. (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion, p. ?). The Star Trek: Enterprise episode "Daedalus" was named for the legend of Daedalus.

Star Trek: Discovery is particularly prolific in using Greek myth in episode titles. The episode "Lethe" references the mythical river Lethe, or the goddess of forgetfulness, and "Magic to Make the Sanest Man Go Mad" is a quotation from the Iliad. The episode "An Obol for Charon" references the ferryman carrying the dead to Hades. The Star Trek: Short Treks episode "Calypso" was named for a character from the Odyssey.

In addition to the above references, a deleted scene from Star Trek Nemesis referenced the USS Talos, while a deleted scene from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan referenced the titan Prometheus.

Roman Gods based on the Greek are mentioned in TOS: "Bread and Circuses". It is not explained in the episode if these modern Roman Gods are intended to be the same ones mentioned in "Who Mourns for Adonais?".

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