An Online Guide to
Classical Music and Composers

 Amphion

 AMPHION and ZETHUS, in ancient Greek mythology, the twin sons of Zeus by Antiope.  When children, they were exposed on Mount Cithaeron, but were found and brought up by a shepherd.  Amphion became a great singer and musician, Zethus a hunter and herdsman (Apollodorus iii. 5). After punishing Lycus and Dirce for cruel treatment of Antiope (q.v.), they built and fortified Thebes, huge blocks of stone forming themselves into walls at the sound of Amphion’s lyre (Horace, Odes, iii. 11). Amphion married Niobe, and killed himself after the loss of his wife and children (Ovid, Metam. vi.  270).  The brothers were buried in one grave and worshipped as the Dioscuri “with white horses” (Eurip. Phoen. 609).

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