Ixion
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This article is about the Greek myth. For the trans-Neptunian object, see 28978 Ixion
In Greek mythology, Ixion was one of the Lapiths, a king of Thessaly, and a son of Antion or Phlegyas. Pirithous was his son (or stepson, with Zeus being his father). Ixion married Dia, a daughter of Deioneus (or Eioneus) and promised his father-in-law a valuable present. However, he did not pay the bride price, so Deioneus stole some of Ixion's horses in retaliation. Ixion concealed his resentment and invited his father-in-law to a feast at Larissa. When Deioneus arrived, Ixion pushed him into a bed of burning coals and wood. The neighboring princes were so offended by this act of treachery (and violation of Xenia) that they refused to perform the rituals that would cleanse Ixion of his guilt. Thereafter, Ixion lived as an outlaw and shunned. By killing his father-in-law, Ixion was reckoned the first man guilty of kin slaying in Greek mythology. That alone would warrant him a terrible punishment.
However, Zeus had pity on Ixion and brought him to Olympus and introduced him at the table of the gods. Instead of being grateful, Ixion grew lustful for Hera, Zeus's wife. Hera was willing to be with Ixion, but Zeus found out about the attempt (either because Hera told him or because of his own efforts). Zeus made a cloud in the shape of Hera, which became known as Nephele, and tricked Ixion into coupling with it. From the union of Ixion and the cloud came the race of Centaurs (hence their being called Ixionidae). However, another myth asserts that the founder of the Centaur race was not Ixion, but a zoophiliac outcast named Centaurus, a son of Apollo and brother of Lapithus.
Ixion was expelled from Olympus and blasted with a thunderbolt. Zeus ordered Hermes to bind Ixion to a wheel that was always spinning. Therefore, Ixion is bound to a burning wheel for all eternity in Tartarus. The story of Ixion is told by Diodorus, Pindar, Virgil in Georgics 4 and Aeneid 6, and by Ovid in Metamorphoses 12.
Trivia
- In the video games Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2, Ixion is the name of the Aeon of lightning. He appears as a large jet-black unicorn with a curved horn.
- In the video game Soul Calibur III, it is Tira's second unlockable weapon. It fits, as Tira's weapons are giant chakrams (metal bladed rings), which refers to Ixion's fate.
- In the video game Civilization II: Test of Time, of the Science-Fiction campaign, (mostly occurring on the second planet 'Funestis') within the nearby star system Lalande 21185, when any of the alien races discover Circular Supports, they are able to build the Ixion military unit. The Ixion is a fast moving rover-like catapult that hurls exploding balls of fire at their enemy. While an effective scout and cavalry (hit and run) unit, it is barely (if at all) able to defend itself if attacked.
- In the video game, Dark Cloud 2, Ixion is the name of the train used by Max and Monica to travel through time.
- In the video game, Beatmania IIDX 10th style consumer version, Ixion is a song under the genre Psychedelic Trance, performed by L.E.D.bg:Иксион (митология)
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