In Ancient Greek mythology, the satyrMarsyas (Greek: Μαρσύας) is a central figure in two stories involving death: in one, he picked up the double flute (aulos) that had been abandoned by Athena and played it; in the other, he challenged Apollo to a contest of music and lost his hide and life. In antiquity, literary sources often emphasize the hubris of Marsyas and the justice of his punishment.
While visiting the temple at the Akropolis in Athens, Marsyas encountered a young woman named Phye. As part of a political ruse, Phye had played the part of Athena. Marsyas, also believing Phye was Athena, attempted to first seduce, and then simply rape Phye. He received an armored knee-cap to the crotch for his troubles.
