Linus, in Greek mythology. 1 Son of Apollo and Psamathe of Argos. He was deserted by his mother on a hillside and devoured by dogs. When Psamathe's father learned what his daughter had done, he had her killed. For this double outrage, Apollo cursed Argos with a plague for which there could be no release until Psamathe and Linus were propitiated with prayers and songs of lamentation. The “Linus song,” a lament derived from this legend, was sung at harvest time as a dirge for the dying vegetation. 2 Famous musician who taught Hercules. When Linus tried to punish Hercules, the latter killed him. Another legend says that Linus was killed by Apollo, who tolerated no rivals in music.
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