Arion, also sometimes spelled Areion, is a fascinating figure in Greek mythology—a divine, swift, and intelligent horse, often depicted with a black mane. His role in myth is not just as a remarkable animal, but as a character deeply entwined with the actions of gods, heroes, and kings. Arion’s myth illustrates the blending of divine and earthly realms, as well as themes of loyalty, speed, and power.

His most well-known exploits include saving Adrastus, the king of Argos, during the ill-fated campaign of the Seven Against Thebes.

This in-depth examination of Arion’s mythological background will explore his origins, his connections to gods and heroes, and his role in one of the most significant battles in Greek mythology.

Origins of Arion

Arion’s origins are divine, with most sources tracing his lineage back to two of the most powerful gods in Greek mythology: Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Demeter, the goddess of the harvest and agriculture. However, like many ancient myths, there are different versions of his parentage, reflecting the fluid nature of mythological storytelling in ancient Greece.

The Poseidon and Demeter Version

The most commonly accepted version of Arion’s birth involves Poseidon and Demeter. This story is rich with the intrigue and interactions of gods, displaying themes of pursuit and transformation, which are common in Greek mythology.

According to the myth, Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, was mourning the loss of her daughter, Persephone, who had been abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld. While Demeter was in search of Persephone, she was pursued by Poseidon, who desired her.

In an effort to escape him, Demeter transformed herself into a mare and hid among the horses of King Oncius, who ruled Thelpusa in Arcadia. However, Poseidon was not deterred. Transforming himself into a stallion, he found Demeter among the other horses and mated with her. From this union, Arion was born.

Arion’s birth from this divine coupling reflects his special status. He is not merely an ordinary horse, but a creature with godlike attributes, including supernatural speed and intelligence. Arion’s divine origins also explain his ability to interact with humans, particularly heroes and kings, on an almost equal footing.

 

Alternative Parentage Myths

While the Poseidon and Demeter story is the most well-known version of Arion’s origins, there are other, lesser-known variations in Greek mythology. One such version attributes Arion’s parentage to Gaia, the primordial goddess representing Earth, which would suggest that Arion is a direct offspring of the earth itself. In this version, Arion is imbued with a sense of primal power, as Gaia is often considered one of the oldest and most powerful deities in Greek mythology.

Another version attributes Arion’s parentage to Zephyrus, the god of the west wind, and a harpy, a mythical creature with the body of a bird and the face of a woman. This version of the myth highlights Arion’s potential connection to the winds, which would further explain his extraordinary speed. This alternative version, however, is less prevalent than the Poseidon and Demeter story.

Arion’s Role in Mythology

Arion is most famous for his involvement with the hero Heracles and the king Adrastus. These associations with major figures in Greek mythology help to solidify Arion’s importance in myth, not just as a supernatural horse, but as a key player in events that shaped the mythical history of Greece.

Heracles and Arion

Heracles, the greatest of the Greek heroes, is often associated with a series of legendary labors and battles. In one of these stories, Arion plays a crucial role. According to myth, Arion was given to Heracles, who used the horse during his campaigns and battles. One notable occasion was Heracles’ combat with Cycnus, the son of the god Ares. Cycnus was a formidable opponent, but Heracles, riding Arion, was able to overcome him, demonstrating both the hero’s strength and Arion’s incredible abilities.

Arion’s association with Heracles highlights the horse’s divine nature and speed, as Heracles relied on him during critical moments. It also solidifies Arion’s reputation as a companion to the gods and heroes of Greek mythology, showing that he was more than just a horse—he was an essential part of the success of these legendary figures.

Adrastus and the Seven Against Thebes

Perhaps Arion’s most famous mythological involvement is with Adrastus, the king of Argos, particularly during the war of the Seven Against Thebes. This war was a catastrophic expedition involving seven heroes who sought to attack the city of Thebes, following a conflict over the throne. The campaign is a well-known event in Greek mythology, with many tragic outcomes.

Adrastus, the leader of the Argive forces, was one of the few survivors of the war, and he owed his life to Arion. The myth states that after the battle at Thebes turned against the attackers and nearly all the leaders of the expedition were killed, Arion saved Adrastus by carrying him swiftly off the battlefield. Arion’s incredible speed allowed the king to escape when defeat seemed inevitable, marking the horse as a hero in his own right.

The Nemean Games

Before the fateful battle at Thebes, Adrastus took Arion with him to participate in the first Nemean Games, a famous set of athletic competitions in ancient Greece. These games were similar in stature to the Olympic Games and were held in honor of Zeus. According to the myth, Arion participated in the races and, unsurprisingly, won first place. This victory further cemented Arion’s reputation as the fastest and most powerful horse in the mythological world.

Themes and Symbolism in Arion’s Myth

Arion’s myth encompasses several key themes common in Greek mythology, including divine intervention, loyalty, and the blending of the human and divine realms. Arion, as a divine creature, represents the intersection of these two worlds, often serving as a bridge between gods and mortals.

Divine Power and Speed

As the offspring of gods, Arion possesses powers beyond those of normal horses. His speed is a key attribute, one that not only saves Adrastus but also helps heroes like Heracles achieve victory. Arion’s speed and strength symbolize divine assistance in human endeavors, a common theme in Greek mythology where gods often intervene in the lives of mortals, either directly or indirectly through gifts like Arion.

The theme of speed, in particular, connects to broader mythological motifs of escape, pursuit, and survival. Arion’s ability to carry his rider swiftly to safety, whether in battle or competition, reflects the importance of speed and agility in Greek heroism.

Loyalty and Heroic Companionship

Arion’s loyalty to his masters, especially Adrastus, is another key theme. Unlike other divine creatures in Greek mythology that may act independently or cause harm, Arion is depicted as a faithful and reliable companion to heroes and kings. His loyalty to Adrastus, shown through his rescue of the king after the disastrous battle at Thebes, emphasizes the bond between hero and horse, a motif seen in other cultures and mythologies as well.

This loyalty also reflects the importance of divine favor in Greek myths. Just as the gods would choose certain mortals to protect and assist, Arion’s unwavering loyalty to Adrastus suggests that divine creatures could serve as agents of fate, guiding and protecting chosen heroes.

Transformation and Mythical Beasts

The story of Arion’s conception is rooted in themes of transformation, which are prevalent throughout Greek mythology. Demeter’s transformation into a mare to escape Poseidon, and Poseidon’s counter-transformation into a stallion, reflect the fluid boundaries between forms and beings in myth. Transformation often serves as a metaphor for the changeable nature of reality in mythology, where gods, humans, and animals can shift identities and roles.

Arion, as the product of a divine transformation, embodies this theme. His form as a horse, but one with extraordinary abilities, bridges the gap between ordinary animals and divine creatures, showing that even in the natural world, the influence of the gods is ever-present.

Arion’s Legacy in Greek Mythology

Arion’s myth has endured through time, not only because of his unique role as a divine horse but also because of the themes his story conveys. He is an essential part of the mythological landscape, especially in tales involving Heracles and the Seven Against Thebes. Arion’s divine origins, heroic loyalty, and supernatural abilities place him among the notable creatures of Greek myth, alongside other famous beasts such as Pegasus and the Chimera.

Comparison with Other Mythical Horses

Arion’s story invites comparison with other mythical horses in Greek and world mythology. Perhaps the most famous mythical horse is Pegasus, the winged horse born from the blood of Medusa after she was slain by Perseus. Like Arion, Pegasus has divine origins and is associated with great heroes, particularly Bellerophon. Both horses represent the idea of divine assistance to mortals, but while Pegasus is known for his ability to fly, Arion’s power lies in his unmatched speed on the ground.

In Norse mythology, another famous horse is Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse of the god Odin. Like Arion, Sleipnir is a supernatural steed with incredible speed, capable of carrying Odin across the realms of the gods and mortals. In both the Greek and Norse traditions, horses are symbols of power, loyalty, and the connection between different worlds.

Symbolism in Ancient Greece

In ancient Greece, horses were symbols of nobility, strength, and speed, qualities that were highly valued in a warrior society. Chariots and horses played a significant role in warfare, sport, and mythology. The inclusion of Arion in myth reflects the importance of horses in Greek culture, not just as tools of war but as creatures worthy of reverence and mythologization.

Arion’s victory in the Nemean Games, for instance, would have resonated with ancient Greek audiences, who celebrated athletic competition as a way to honor the gods. His victory also underscores the link between divine favor and human success in Greek thought—those who won in battle or sport were often believed to have the backing of the gods.

Conclusion

Arion is a remarkable figure in Greek mythology, not just for his divine parentage or supernatural speed, but for the roles he plays in the stories of heroes and gods. His origins, tied to Poseidon and Demeter, give him a unique place among mythological creatures, while his actions—saving Adrastus and aiding Heracles—cement his status as a loyal and heroic companion.

The myth of Arion highlights themes of divine intervention, transformation, and loyalty, which are central to many Greek myths. Through his association with heroes like Heracles and Adrastus, Arion embodies the idea that the divine and mortal worlds are interconnected, with mythical creatures like him serving as the bridge between them.

As one of the most celebrated horses in Greek mythology, Arion’s legacy continues to inspire, representing not just speed and power, but the deep bonds between gods, heroes, and the creatures that accompany them on their journeys.

Questions and Answers

Who were Arion’s parents according to most versions of the myth?

Arion’s parents were the gods Poseidon and Demeter.

How was Arion conceived according to the myth involving Demeter and Poseidon?

Demeter, in an attempt to escape Poseidon, transformed into a mare and hid among the mares of King Oncius. Poseidon turned into a stallion, found her, and mated with her, leading to the birth of Arion.

What are the alternative parentage accounts of Arion in some versions of the myth?

In other versions, Arion is said to be the offspring of Gaia (the Earth) or of Zephyrus, the wind god, and a harpy.

Which hero was given Arion after his birth?

The hero Heracles was given Arion and rode him during his battle against Cycnus and his campaign against Elis.

What did Heracles eventually do with Arion?

Heracles passed Arion on to Adrastus, the king of Argos.

What significant event did Arion compete in before the battle at Thebes?

Arion competed in and won the first Nemean Games, showcasing his unmatched speed.

How did Arion save Adrastus during the battle of the Seven against Thebes?

When the battle ended in defeat and all the other leaders died, Arion swiftly carried Adrastus off the battlefield, saving his life.

What qualities does the myth of Arion highlight?

The myth emphasizes Arion’s divine origin, extraordinary speed, and loyalty, making him one of the most remarkable horses in Greek mythology.