In Greek mythology, Apollo was most famously associated with playing the lyre.
The lyre was a stringed instrument used in ancient Greek music and poetry. Apollo’s connection with it reflects his roles as god of music, poetry, prophecy, healing, and archery. Artistic depictions often show him holding or playing a lyre, making the instrument one of his clearest attributes.
The lyre is sometimes confused with the kithara, a more formal professional instrument in the same broad family. Ancient writers and artists did not always use musical terminology in exactly the same way, but both instruments were associated with Apollo’s musical identity.
Apollo’s musical mythology also includes the contest with Marsyas, a satyr who played the aulos. Apollo won that competition, reinforcing the ancient Greek association between his ordered string music and the satyr’s more ecstatic wind instrument.