Here's why:
* His role: Apollo was associated with light, music, poetry, prophecy, healing, and archery. He was seen as a radiant and powerful figure who brought warmth and life to the world.
* His chariot: Apollo was often depicted driving a golden chariot across the sky, bringing the sun's light with him.
* His attributes: He was often associated with the sun's rays, the laurel wreath, and the lyre.
* His association with Helios: While Apollo is the most well-known sun god in Greek mythology, Helios was actually the god of the sun itself. However, Apollo's association with the sun and his many other attributes led to the popular association of Apollo with the sun.
While Apollo is not *literally* the sun, he is considered the embodiment of its light, warmth, and life-giving power in Greek mythology.
