# Ibycus explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## What happens

The pious poet Ibycus, on his way to the Isthmian games, is murdered by two robbers in a sacred grove. With his dying breath, he calls upon a flock of cranes to avenge him. Later, at the theatre, the performance of the Furies terrifies the crowd, and the murderers, overcome by guilt, cry out at the sight of cranes overhead, revealing their crime and leading to their capture and punishment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Free Will

The murderers' guilt is exposed by the cranes, suggesting an inescapable fate that brings hidden crimes to light.

### Hospitality and Its Violation

Ibycus, a stranger seeking hospitality, is murdered by robbers, violating the sacred duty of protecting guests.

## Character check-ins

### Phoebus Apollo

Bestowed the gift of song upon Ibycus.

### Neptune

Ibycus enters the sacred grove of Neptune on his way to Corinth.

## Key lines

> Ibycus, the pious poet, was on his way to the chariot races and musical competitions held at the Isthmus of Corinth, which attracted all of Grecian lineage.

The devout poet Ibycus traveled to the Isthmian games, a grand festival of chariot races and music that drew people from across Greece.

_Sets the scene for Ibycus's journey and the public gathering where his murderers are later caught._

> Happy the man who keeps his heart pure from guilt and crime! Him we avengers touch not; he treads the path of life secure from us. But woe! woe! to him who has done the deed of secret murder.

Blessed is the innocent person, for the Furies leave him unharmed; but terrible is the fate of the secret murderer, whom they relentlessly pursue.

_The Furies' hymn underscores the theme of divine retribution and the psychological torment of the guilty._

## Links

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