Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Arion explained
Arion, a famous musician and favorite of King Periander of Corinth, wins a musical contest in Sicily but is threatened by sailors who plot to kill him for his treasure.
What happens
Arion, a famous musician and favorite of King Periander of Corinth, wins a musical contest in Sicily but is threatened by sailors who plot to kill him for his treasure. He requests to sing a final song, then leaps into the sea, where a dolphin rescues him and carries him to shore. He returns to Periander, who helps expose the criminals, and the sailors are banished.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Immortality
Arion faces death at the hands of the sailors but is saved by a dolphin, suggesting divine favor and the enduring power of art beyond mortal threats.
Hospitality and Its Violation
The sailors, who should have been trustworthy hosts on the voyage, betray Arion by plotting murder for his treasure, violating the sacred bond of hospitality.
Characters to notice
- Phoebus Apollo
Invoked by Arion as the god who bestowed his musical talent and whose favor he seeks by donning minstrel garb.
- Orpheus
Referenced in Arion's song as one who found and lost Eurydice, drawing a parallel to Arion's own impending loss.
Key passages
“A wandering life best suits the free heart of a poet. The talent which a god bestowed on me, I would fain make a source of pleasure to others.”
A poet's heart is meant for travel; I want to share the gift a god gave me with the world.
Arion explains to Periander why he must go to the contest, emphasizing the poet's calling to spread his art.
“Will nothing satisfy you but my life? Take my gold, and welcome. I willingly buy my life at that price.”
Is my death the only thing you want? You can have all my gold—I'll gladly trade it for my life.
Arion pleads with the sailors to spare him, offering his treasure in exchange for survival.
“Farewell, thou faithful, friendly fish! Would that I could reward thee; but thou canst not wend with me, nor I with thee.”
Goodbye, loyal dolphin—I wish I could repay you, but we cannot travel together.
Arion thanks the dolphin that rescued him, acknowledging their separate worlds.