Itys

Philomela_Procne_preparing_to_kill_Itys.jpg

Itys was a figure in Greek mythology, the son of Tereus, a king of Thrace, and Procne, the daughter of the Athenian king Pandion I. The myth of Itys is a tragic tale that involves themes of revenge, transformation, and the consequences of betrayal.

Mythology[edit | edit source]

According to the myth, Tereus married Procne and they had a son named Itys. However, Tereus later fell in love with Procne's sister, Philomela, and deceitfully brought her to Thrace. Tereus then assaulted Philomela and cut out her tongue to prevent her from revealing the crime. Despite this, Philomela managed to communicate the atrocity to Procne by weaving a tapestry that depicted the events.

In a fit of rage and seeking revenge, Procne killed her son Itys and served him as a meal to Tereus. When Tereus discovered the truth, he pursued the sisters with the intent to kill them. The gods intervened and transformed all three into birds: Tereus into a hoopoe, Procne into a swallow, and Philomela into a nightingale.

Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]

The story of Itys has been referenced in various works of literature and art throughout history. It is notably mentioned in Ovid's Metamorphoses and has been a subject of interest in classical studies. The myth highlights the themes of familial loyalty, the brutality of revenge, and the transformative power of the gods.