Abstract

The action of Euripides' Ion takes place in front of the temple of Apollo at Delphi. The chorus, maidservants of Kreusa who have come with her from Athens, enters at 184, admiring the temple and commenting on a series of mythological scenes which they see represented before them: Herakles slaying the Hydra with the help of Iolaos ; Bellerophon mounted on Pegasos slaying Chimaira ; a Gigantomachial which includes the figures of Athena brandishing her Gorgon shield against Enkelados , Zeus laying Mimas low with a thunderbolt , and Bakchos slaying another Giant with his thyrsos . The chorus's description recalls the temple of Apollo which stood in Delphi in Euripides' day