What Apollo's Symbols Mean. Apollo's silver bow and arrow represent the myth where he defeated the monster Python. Apollo is also the god of plagues and is known for shooting plague arrows at the enemy during the Trojan war. The lyre which is perhaps his most well-known symbol signifying that he is the god of music. In the ancient myths the god Hermes gifted Apollo the lyre in exchange for the rod of health. Apollos lyre has the power to cause things like stones to become musical instruments. The raven is a symbol of Apollos anger.