Adopted by God: History of Demetrius and Apollo

Myth In ancient days, circa 120 B.C in Greece, a certain woman named Delilah and her husband Kronk, had a child who disappointed them so immensely, that they cast him out. He was unnatural and ugly and was left to fend for himself, but before very long, good fortune found him. Someone still wanted him. That person was not just anyone, he was the god of music and poetry. His name was Apollo. 

For many wonderful years, Demetrius was raised by Apollo. Because of this, he was an adopted son of a god which made him immortal. He taught him sciences, arts, mathematics… anything he would need to rise above his unappealing appearance. Apart from the crowd, he studied, for years on end. Most people around him drank, gambled, and lived wanton lives only for pleasure. Demetrius gained respect for being so knowledgeable. He was an outstanding teacher, healer, and astrologer. Demetrius turned 38 years old 3 months ago. Even though he knew Apollo wouldn't like it, he rebelliously went to a bar to celebrate. He was buzzed when a drunk man confronted him. They ended up getting into a brawl, Demetrius got stabbed and the wound was bad. Apollo was very displeased that Demetrius went to the bar, and on top of that, got stabbed. As a result of his actions, Apollo permanently took his immortality away causing Demetrius to have to heal over time. 

Demetrius learned his lesson, so he went straight to work, studying and teaching even more than he had before. He learned more than anyone could ever dream of. People all over the city admired him for his knowledge and wisdom. Even other towns and cities nearby knew of him and respected him. Apollo noticed his work but still was disappointed. Demetrius became the city´s healer and to surrounding towns nearby. He healed many people with the amazing gift of his education given to him by Apollo. 

Many people whom he healed seemed to be an impossible miracle to some. Doctors in the area sought to form partnerships with Demetrius because knowledge of his incredible healing talents spread so far that everyone wanted to be healed by him. The other doctors and healers were astonished at his work and the results. Demetrius very generously spread his knowledge by teaching others, to enlighten people of his discoveries. One evening when Demetrius was writing in his journal, he heard a knock on his door. He was surprised when he saw what stood before him. It was Apollo. He asked, ¨May I talk with you for a moment?¨ Demetrius very hastily said ¨Yes.¨ Apollo walked inside and said, ¨I have been watching you, I am very proud of your advancements. I feel that you have learned what the value of life really is and that you are worthy of and have earned the right to have your immortality back.¨ Demetrius was quite ecstatic when he said that, but he thought of something very important. He then answered, ¨I am very pleased that you are proud of me for my discoveries, but I cannot accept your offer.¨ ¨Why?¨ said, Apollo. Demetrius then said, ¨I wouldn't be able to heal my patients without knowing their pain as an immortal. I love these humans, I need to understand what they go through to tend to them.¨ Apollo understood clearly, they conversed some more to catch up with each other. The townspeople found out about the conversation Apollo had with Demetrius. 

They heard that he sacrificed his immortality for the better of their kind. They were extremely shocked and in awe. The people of the town assembled a meeting to discuss this matter. They thought that it was not fair for Demetrius to refuse immortality just for them. They concluded that they would have a meeting with Demetrius to convince him that he should speak with Apollo again and accept his offer. Demetrius still would not go along with it. After an attempt to change his mind, the townspeople sought a meeting with Apollo this time around. They spoke with him and told him that they wanted the best for Demetrius. They asked him if there is any way possible to get him his immortality, yet he still could feel empathy for the people to heal them. Apollo said that would talk to Demetrius and make a new offer consisting of both immortality and empathy. When they spoke again, Demetrius very happily accepted the new offer. Countless generations would then benefit from the amazing knowledge of Demetrius and he would live forever among the gods.