Philomela

Greek mythology

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

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Philomela is a figure in Greek mythology, known for her tragic story. She was an Athenian princess who was raped by her brother-in-law, Tereus, king of Thrace. To silence her, Tereus cut out her tongue. Despite this, Philomela revealed the crime to her sister, Procne, by weaving the story into an embroidery. In revenge, Procne killed and served her own son, Itys, to Tereus. The gods intervened, transforming the characters into birds: Tereus became a hoopoe, Procne a swallow, and Philomela a nightingale. This myth explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and divine intervention.12

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Tereus
…later seduced his wife’s sister Philomela and tricked her into a sham marriage. Other versions describe the encounter as a brutal rape. In order to hide his guilt, Tereus cut out Philomela’s tongue. But she revealed the crime to her sister by working the details in embroidery. Procne sought revenge…
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…later seduced his wife’s sister Philomela and tricked her into a sham marriage. Other versions describe the encounter as a brutal rape. In order to hide his guilt, Tereus cut out Philomela’s tongue. But she revealed the crime to her sister by working the details in embroidery. Procne sought revenge…
Read More