Unchanged by any teller — how the centuries since have seen Thamyris.
The gallery
Thamyris and the Muses (hydria)
Unknown (Attic), c. 5th century BC
Attic hydria: Thamyris among the Muses before the contest that costs him sight and song — the Thracian bard as vase-painting cautionary tale.
Thamyris (vase detail)
Unknown (Attic), c. 5th century BC
A closer view of the same hydria type: the musician who challenged the Muses — lyre still in hand at the edge of hubris.
Thamyris and the Muses
Unknown (Attic), c. 5th century BC
Another Attic vase of Thamyris with the Muses — the challenge scene repeated for another symposium, the bard forever about to lose his voice.