In the first part of the essay I will briefly summarize the Hymn to Pythian Apollo by Cynaethus (Kynaithos) of Chios . The second part will be a brief description of the five monolithic theories as set out by GS Kirk in The nature of Greek Myths .The third part of the essay will discuss the extent to which each of these five monolithic theories provides an explanation of that myth . The conclusion will be my opinion on which of the five theories best describes Hymn to Pythian Apollo and my arguments for this theory over the others .

I will be using Hymn to Pythian Apollo in our text Classical Mythology images and insights by Harris and Platzner and The nature of Greek Myths by GS Kirk as my major source . In my essay I will be using the line numbering system as used in Classical Mythology images and insights as I don't have access to either the original text in the Greek or

The fifth monolithic theory used that most myths used are closely associated with ritual, in context of the Primary source, can be seen as valid in this case . The relevant lines of the hymn where the Minoan sailors are instructed to set up a altar on the beach and offer white Barley , followed by singing of "Io Paean, Hail Healer "is a obvious ritual .

to build a very beautiful temple, 31

Some common words found in the essay are:
Pythian Apollo, Cnossos Dolphin, Apollo Delphi, Delphi Crete, Apollo Apollo, Apollo Pythia, Parnassus Temple, Myth Charter, Greek Mythology, Crisa Apollo, pythian apollo, hymn pythian, hymn pythian apollo, nature greek, monolithic theories, five monolithic theories, five monolithic, greek mythology, gs kirk, greek myths, monolithic theory, theory myth, nature greek myths, apollo cynaethus kynaithos, pythian apollo cynaethus,
Approximate Word count = 2458
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)