LINUS OF ARGOS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Linus is a name given to several distinct individuals in Greek mythology, although their myths are often confused with each others. Tragically Linus of Argos did not live long enough for his tale to become mixed with the stories of the other individuals named Linus.
Linus Son of Apollo
Linus of Argos was the son of the god Apollo and the princess Psamathe. Psamathe was the daughter of King Crotopus of Argos, and Psamathe was known as one of the age’s great beauties.
Such a reputation was bound to become common knowledge amongst the gods, and the gods were renowned for seeking out the most beautiful of mortals to sleep with. In the case of Psamathe, Apollo came to Argos to investigate.
Discovering that Psamathe’s reputation was just, Apollo slept with the daughter of Crotopus, and of course, Psamathe became pregnant. Psamathe would keep the pregnancy secret from her father, fearful of his reaction, but of course, after nine months, Psamathe gave birth to Linus.
Psamathe would abandon Linus, leaving him exposed upon a mountainside, as was a frequent occurrence in tales of Greek mythology; and, as with so many of those tales, Linus did not die.
Linus was rescued by a shepherd.
Such a reputation was bound to become common knowledge amongst the gods, and the gods were renowned for seeking out the most beautiful of mortals to sleep with. In the case of Psamathe, Apollo came to Argos to investigate.
Discovering that Psamathe’s reputation was just, Apollo slept with the daughter of Crotopus, and of course, Psamathe became pregnant. Psamathe would keep the pregnancy secret from her father, fearful of his reaction, but of course, after nine months, Psamathe gave birth to Linus.
Psamathe would abandon Linus, leaving him exposed upon a mountainside, as was a frequent occurrence in tales of Greek mythology; and, as with so many of those tales, Linus did not die.
Linus was rescued by a shepherd.
The Death of Linus
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For a little while, Linus lived with the shepherds family, but in a tragic twist, the young Linus was killed by the sheep-dogs of Crotopus, Linus’ grandfather.
Up until this point, Crotopus was unaware that he was a grandfather, but Psamathe found out about the death of her son, and was overcome by grief. In this grief stricken state, Psamathe revealed the truth to her father, that Linus was her son by Apollo. |
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Crotopus though would not believe that the father of the now deceased Linus was a god of Mount Olympus, instead Crotopus believed that his daughter had acted like a harlot, sleeping with a random man, and that Linus was the result. Crotopus would thus have his own daughter killed.
Linus Celebrated
Linus and his mother were now dead, but this was not quite the end of the story, for Apollo now heard of what had befallen his lover and their son. Apollo would thus send forth a monster, Poine, upon Argos, and when the monster was killed, Apollo sent down a plague.
Crotopus now sought a way to rid his kingdom’s affliction. The Oracle told Crotopus that he must regain the favour of Apollo, and so Crotopus initiated a festival in honour of Linus, a festival called arnis or Cynophontis. At this festival women would sing dirges and mourn the passing of Linus, and Psamathe, whilst dogs were also killed in remembrance of the manner of Linus’ death.
Crotopus now sought a way to rid his kingdom’s affliction. The Oracle told Crotopus that he must regain the favour of Apollo, and so Crotopus initiated a festival in honour of Linus, a festival called arnis or Cynophontis. At this festival women would sing dirges and mourn the passing of Linus, and Psamathe, whilst dogs were also killed in remembrance of the manner of Linus’ death.
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Colin Quartermain - Linus of Argos - 4th February 2026