Apollo and Pan

The recent mention of Apollo in reference to Severian reminded me of something I meant to share earlier. In Ovid, and in Bach's cantata The Contest of Phoebus and Pan, we have a story of a musical battle between Pan (Pas) and Phoebus (Apollo). Pan's music is earthly; Apollo's heavenly. Pan challenges Apollo, seeking to usurp the god's position. He loses, of course. Sort of interesting grist for the old Lupine mill, isn't it? I doubt if Wolfe knows the Bach, but I'll bet he knows the Ovid. Nutria

Pan was also the only god to have actually died, according to somebody-or-other.

Not so; Dionysius also died. Frequently.

Not so; Dionysius also died. Frequently. ------------- "Died" as in died, and not reborn.

Also, different from the resurrected Zeus whose grave(s?) was displayed to pilgrims at Crete. I believe **this** comes into to play in "The Long Sun" with Pas' reputed death. The report of Pan's death comes from Plutarch. See the final note on "Pan His Nature and Deeds" in Graves' "The Greek Myths" for details on this. -- Crush