In Greek mythology, Apollo killed Python at Delphi before establishing his oracle there.
Python was a huge serpent connected with Delphi, an important sanctuary in central Greece. In the Homeric Hymn to Apollo, the young god defeats the creature and takes control of the sacred site. The myth helped explain why Delphi became Apollo’s most famous oracle and why the priestess was called the Pythia.
Python is sometimes confused with the Hydra, another serpent-like Greek monster defeated by Heracles. They are different creatures with different heroes and locations: Python belonged to Delphi and Apollo, while the Hydra lived near Lerna and was faced by Heracles.
The name Python later became associated with prophecy through the Pythia. Delphi’s religious importance lasted for centuries, and Greek visitors consulted the oracle on political, military, and personal questions.