Periander, who warned Thrasybulus about the oracle, was the son of Cypselus and the ruler, or tyrant, of Corinth. He was one of the most powerful leaders in Greece during his time. Many important events and famous stories are connected with his reign. One of the most remarkable stories from this period is told both by the Corinthians and the Lesbians, and both groups agree on the main details.
This story is about a famous musician named Arion of Methymna, whose name became known across the Greek world Croesus and the Expansion of the Lydian Empire.
Arion, the Great Musician
Arion was known as the greatest harp player of his age. No other musician was considered better than him at that time. He was also famous for being the first person to create and name the dithyramb, a special type of song sung in honor of the god Dionysus. Arion performed these songs publicly in Corinth and gained great fame.
For many years, Arion lived at the court of Periander, where he was respected and well rewarded. However, after a long time, Arion felt the desire to travel. He decided to sail to Italy and Sicily, where Greek cities were rich and eager for music and culture.
Wealth and a Dangerous Journey
Arion’s journey was very successful. He earned a great deal of money and gifts from his performances. When he decided to return to Corinth, he chose a ship crewed by Corinthian sailors, believing he could trust people from his own homeland.
The ship sailed from Tarentum, but once it reached the open sea, the sailors made a terrible plan. They decided to kill Arion and steal his wealth. When Arion discovered their plan, he begged for his life. He even offered them all his money if they would let him live Daily Tour Sofia.
The sailors refused. They told him he had two choices: either kill himself and receive burial on land, or jump into the sea immediately and die there.
Arion’s Final Song
Facing death, Arion made one final request. He asked to be allowed to dress in his full musician’s clothing, stand on the deck, and sing one last song. After that, he promised to end his own life. The sailors agreed, excited to hear the world’s greatest harp player perform.
Arion dressed in his finest costume, took his harp, and stood on the deck. He sang the Orthian song, a powerful and solemn melody. When the song ended, he threw himself into the sea, still wearing his musician’s clothes.
Saved by a Dolphin
The sailors continued their journey, believing Arion was dead. However, according to the story, a dolphin appeared, lifted Arion onto its back, and carried him safely to Taenarum, a place sacred to the gods.
From there, Arion traveled to Corinth, still wearing the same clothes he had worn when he jumped into the sea. He told Periander everything that had happened.
Truth Revealed and Justice Served
At first, Periander did not believe Arion’s story. He placed Arion under guard and waited for the sailors to return. When the ship arrived, Periander questioned the sailors about Arion. They claimed that Arion was alive and well in Italy.
At that moment, Arion appeared before them, dressed exactly as he had been on the ship. The sailors were shocked and exposed as liars. They could no longer deny their crime.
A Story Remembered Forever
This story was told for generations by both Corinthians and Lesbians. Even in later times, people could see a bronze statue at Taenarum, showing a man seated on a dolphin. It was said to be an offering made by Arion himself, a reminder of his miraculous rescue.
The tale of Arion teaches lessons about greed, trust, divine protection, and the power of art, and it remains one of the most famous legends of the ancient Greek world.
