Arion / Myth. Short summary

5 seconds

Arion, who lived in Corinth, was the best singer and musician. Men, beasts and deities came to hear him sing. After his death, the image of Arion with his cherished lyre was immortalized among the stars by Apollo himself.

1 minute

Arion, son of Poseidon, lived in Corinth under the patronage of the ruler Periander. Arion played the lyre and composed wonderful poems in honor of Dionysus. One day he decided to take part in a musical contest held in Tenara.

Arion crossed the sea in a boat and arrived at the festival, where everyone was enthralled by the beautiful singing and playing of the demigod. The authorities of the city recognized Arion’s victory, and the locals gifted him with expensive gifts. The captain of the ship that was taking Arion back to Corinth was jealous of the young man’s rich gifts. He threw him into the sea and allowed him to sing one last song before he died. Dolphins came to hear Arion sing, captivated by his voice. One of them picked up the young man on his back and carried him to shore.

Arion was several days ahead of his ship. Periander, hearing of the greedy captain, summoned him and his crew to his house when the ship arrived. When the sailors saw Arion, they had to confess their evil deed, for which they were severely punished by the governor of Corinth.