In Greek mythology, Apollo killed the serpent Python at Delphi.
Python was a monstrous serpent connected with the oracle at Delphi. In one tradition, Python guarded the oracle of Gaia, the Earth, and Apollo arrived there after traveling from Delos. Apollo killed the serpent with his bow and arrows, then took control of the sanctuary and its prophetic tradition.
The victory helped establish Apollo as the god associated with prophecy at Delphi. The priestess who delivered Apollo’s oracles was called the Pythia, a title derived from Python. Apollo also instituted the Pythian Games, which were held near Delphi and became one of the major Greek athletic festivals.
The myth has several ancient versions. Some describe Python as female, while others use masculine grammatical forms or call the creature a dragon. It is separate from Apollo’s later defeat of the giant serpent Typhon in some traditions, and it should not be confused with Heracles’ battle against the Lernaean Hydra.