# Arion explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/arion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters