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Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Linus explained
Linus, the music instructor of Hercules, is killed by his pupil after a harsh reprimand.
What happens
Linus, the music instructor of Hercules, is killed by his pupil after a harsh reprimand.
Themes in this chapter
Hubris and Divine Retribution
Hercules' unchecked anger leads to the fatal striking of his teacher.
Characters to notice
- Hercules
Pupil of Linus who kills him in anger.
Key passages
“Linus was the instructor of Hercules in music, but having one day reproved his pupil rather harshly, he roused the anger of Hercules, who struck him with his lyre and killed him.”
Hercules, angered by a harsh reprimand from his music teacher Linus, struck and killed him with his lyre.
The chapter recounts the fatal consequence of Hercules' temper.