Branchus (lover of Apollo)
| Branchus | |
|---|---|
Legendary seer | |
| Major cult center | Miletus, Didyma |
| Abode | Miletus |
| Parents | Smyrcus |
| Consort | Apollo (lover) |
Branchus (/ˈbræŋkəs/; Ancient Greek: Βράγχος, romanized: Brankhos, from βρόγχος meaning windpipe) was the son of Smyrcus and a lover of the god Apollo in Greek mythology. Initially a shepherd in Miletus, Branchus became a prophet after receiving prophetic abilities from Apollo. He introduced the worship of the god at Didyma and founded a shrine for him at Miletus. His descendants, the Branchides, were an influential clan of prophets.