LINUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Linus was the name of a legendary musician from Greek mythology, although it is not quite clear if there was one such character. In the event that there were two Linuses, then one lived and died in the time of Heracles.
Linus Son of Calliope
|
Linus is named as a son of Apollo and the Muses Calliope; although some say that King Oeagrus, a Thracian king, was Linus’ father. It is possible that Orpheus was the full brother of Linus, if Linus’ father was King Oeagrus instead of Apollo.
Some say that Linus, son of Calliope, is the same as Linus, son of Urania, although Theban tradition does suggest that they are of different generations. |
|
Linus the Teacher
At some stage Linus left Thrace, the land of Oeagrus, and settled in Thebes. There he set about teaching music and eloquent speech. Named students of Linus were Orpheus, Musaeus and Thamyris.
Arguably the most famous of his students though was Heracles, although he might also have been the one with the least musical talent. Attentive in his military studies, Heracles was less interested in music and eloquent speech.
Linus was said to have eventually lost his temper with the unruly, and uninterested, Heracles, and hit the young hero with a rod. This greatly angered Heracles, who retaliated, taking up a lyre and beating Linus to death with it.
Heracles would face trial for the death of Linus, but Heracles referred to one of the laws of Rhadamanyths, and his defence was basically that of self-defence, as Linus struck the first blow. Heracles was acquitted of the crime, but Amphitryon thereafter sent his step-son away from the city, to tend to Amphitryon’s animals.
Many places claimed that Linus was subsequently buried in their surrounds, with Argos, Thebes and Chalcis, all making the claim, although the body of which Linus was said to have been buried there is not clear.
Arguably the most famous of his students though was Heracles, although he might also have been the one with the least musical talent. Attentive in his military studies, Heracles was less interested in music and eloquent speech.
Linus was said to have eventually lost his temper with the unruly, and uninterested, Heracles, and hit the young hero with a rod. This greatly angered Heracles, who retaliated, taking up a lyre and beating Linus to death with it.
Heracles would face trial for the death of Linus, but Heracles referred to one of the laws of Rhadamanyths, and his defence was basically that of self-defence, as Linus struck the first blow. Heracles was acquitted of the crime, but Amphitryon thereafter sent his step-son away from the city, to tend to Amphitryon’s animals.
Many places claimed that Linus was subsequently buried in their surrounds, with Argos, Thebes and Chalcis, all making the claim, although the body of which Linus was said to have been buried there is not clear.
|
|
Colin Quartermain - Linus - 5th October 2025