The Story of Marsyas

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The Story of Marsyas (MAHR-see-uhs) One day, the goddess Athena found Suspecting nothing of the curse, he was so perfect that neither god nor the beautiful, long thighbone of a picked the flute up, liked the look of man could better it. Next, it was deer. It was a pleasing object, and it, and decided to keep it. In time, he Apollo’s turn. Though his music was she wanted to make something both grew fond of the flute and learned as good as Marsyass’ in every way, attractive and useful from it. She to play it so well that whoever it was not better. And so the Muses soon decided what she would make heard him said that not even Apollo were unable to declare either of and began to work on the bone with could play so beautifully. How was them the winner. great care and art. She cut off both unlucky Marsyas to know that the ends, cleaned it out well inside, and curse of Athena hung over him? He By now Apollo was boiling with then drilled holes down its length. had never been one to boast, but rage. He was determined to be Finally, she fashioned a handsome now he began to tell everyone that revenged on the satyr who had belit- mouthpiece at the top. When she he could make music even better tled him—by means fair or foul. had finished, she placed the mouth- than golden-haired Apollo. piece between her lips and began “Very well,” he snarled, “now we to blow, placing her fingers up and It was not long before the great shall play with our instruments down on the holes. Lovely sounds god of music appeared before the upside down!” came from the instrument she had unlucky satyr. Apollo was magnifi- created. It was the world’s first flute. cently attired, and under his arm And holding his lyre the other way he carried his golden lyre. The nine up, he played it as superbly as The goddess was enchanted with Muses accompanied the shining before. But a flute, alas, cannot be her new creation and never tired of god. “How dare you call yourself played with its mouthpiece point- playing it. On one occasion, how- a better player than I?” Apollo ing downward, and poor Marsyas ever, when she was playing for the demanded. “Can there be anyone in could not coax a single note from other gods of Olympus, she noticed the world, god or mortal, whose skill his instrument. that Hera and Aphrodite were star in music is a match for mine?” ing at her and exchanging secret And so the Muses declared Apollo giggles. “All we need to do is put it to the the winner. test,” replied Marsyas coolly. “Let “If only you could see your face your nine sisters judge which of us The god’s revenge came down on when you blow into that thing, plays better. But whoever wins may Marsyas like a thunderbolt, and the you’d understand why we’re laugh- impose any punishment he wishes poor satyr died in hideous agony ing,” replied the two goddesses. upon the loser.” because he had dared to challenge an immortal. “They must be jealous of me,” mut- “Foolish Marsyas, what rash words tered Athena, and she went off to were these? Did you imagine that a The wood nymphs wept for Marsyas play her flute by the banks of a river mere satyr could pit his poor skills and buried him by a river. The where she could see her own reflec- against a mighty god? And did you muses felt sorry for the unlucky tion as she blew. When she saw how not know that immortals are not satyr and begged Zeus to take pity her cheeks puffed out and her lovely to be insulted and are cruel beyond on him. The ruler of gods and men face became distorted by the effort belief when they wish to exact listened to their pleas, so Marsyas of blowing, she realized that Hera punishment?” Apollo’s answer was did not descend to the dark depths and Aphrodite could not be blamed swift and terrible. “I shall defeat of Hades. Instead, his spirit was for laughing behind their hands. In you and skin you alive for your inso released into the waters of the a sudden burst of anger, she hurled lence!” he screamed, as his face river that flowed as musically as the flute away, shouting, “Miserable flushed with rage. But Marsyas if the river were indeed playing a toy! Because of you I am insulted. A seemed quite unconcerned and, flute, and people listen to its song curse on anyone who picks you up putting the flute to his lips, began with pleasure. But when the river and puts you to his lips.” to play. The muses stood listening remembers Apollo’s cruel revenge, in awe. Even Apollo thought his ears its waters swell with wrath and roar The flute that Athena had thrown were deceiving him. For the music wild threats, spreading fears and away was found by Marsyas. that flowed from Marsyas’s flute sorrow in their paths.