Apollo, the god of light and prophecy, was once enamored by the beauty of a young woman known as the Cumaean Sibyl. To win her affection, he offered to grant her any wish she desired. Reaching down, the Sibyl scooped up a handful of sand and asked to live for as many years as there were grains in her palm. Apollo granted the request instantly, hoping she would then accept his love. However, the Sibyl still refused the god. In her haste to secure a long life, she had forgotten to ask for eternal youth. As the centuries rolled by, her body did not stay young; it shriveled and wasted away. She grew smaller and more frail until she was eventually kept in a small jar, or ampulla. Because she would not yield to Apollo, he did not grant her the youth she lacked. Eventually, her body vanished entirely, leaving only her voice to whisper prophecies to those who sought her wisdom.
Be careful what you wish for and remember that quantity of life means little without quality and health.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of Apollo and the Sibyl?
The moral is to be precise and thoughtful in our desires. It illustrates that living forever is not a blessing if one is forced to endure the infirmities of extreme old age.
Why did the Sibyl age if she was immortal?
She asked for a life spanning a thousand years, matching the grains of sand in her hand, but she forgot to ask for eternal youth. Apollo only granted exactly what she requested.
Did the Sibyl ever love Apollo?
No, she refused his advances even after he granted her wish for a long life. This refusal is why Apollo declined to add eternal youth to her gift.
What eventually happened to the Sibyl?
Her body eventually withered away until it was so small it could be kept in a jar. In the end, only her voice remained, continuing to deliver prophecies for centuries.
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Good night.
