Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Arion—Ibycus—Simonides—Sappho explained
This chapter recounts the legendary adventures of several ancient Greek poets: Arion, who escapes death at sea by leaping overboard and being rescued by dolphins; Ibycus, whose murder is revealed by cranes at a theatrical festival; Simonide
What happens
This chapter recounts the legendary adventures of several ancient Greek poets: Arion, who escapes death at sea by leaping overboard and being rescued by dolphins; Ibycus, whose murder is revealed by cranes at a theatrical festival; Simonides, who survives a banquet collapse after being called away by Castor and Pollux; and Sappho, the famed poetess of Lesbos. The stories emphasize the power of poetry, divine justice, and the protection of the gods over pious bards.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Free Will
The poets' fates are intertwined with divine intervention and the consequences of their actions, as seen in Arion's rescue and Ibycus's divinely revealed murder.
Mortality and Immortality
The poets face mortal dangers but achieve lasting fame through their art, and divine justice ensures that murderers are punished, highlighting the tension between mortal life and immortal legacy.
Hospitality and Its Violation
The violation of hospitality is central: Arion is betrayed by sailors who should have protected him, and Ibycus is murdered while seeking hospitality, but divine retribution restores order.
Characters to notice
- Arion
Famous musician and poet who wins a musical contest in Sicily, is threatened by sailors, and leaps into the sea to be rescued by dolphins.
- Ibycus
Pious poet murdered by robbers; his death is avenged when cranes reveal the murderers at a theatrical festival.
- Simonides
Prolific Greek poet who survives a banquet collapse after being called outside by Castor and Pollux, whom he had praised in his poem.
- Sappho
Renowned poetess of Lesbos, mentioned as a major figure in ancient Greek poetry.
- Perseus
Infant son of Danaë, set adrift in a chest and later rescued, becoming a famous hero.
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 free spirit thrives on travel, and I wish to share the gift a god gave me with others.
Arion explains his desire to compete in Sicily, emphasizing the poet's calling to share his art.
“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.”
Blessed is the innocent person; the Furies do not harm him, and he walks safely through life.
The Furies' hymn in the Ibycus story declares that the pure-hearted are safe from divine vengeance.
“Observe the power of the Eumenides! The pious poet shall be avenged! the murderer has informed against himself.”
See how the Furies work! The righteous poet will be avenged, and the killer has betrayed himself.
The crowd realizes that the cranes have exposed Ibycus's murderers, fulfilling divine justice.