Topic Archive

Myths about Syracuse

Explore myths connected by the recurring theme of Syracuse across cultures, characters, and sacred places.

1 myth currently featured for Syracuse.

Alpheus and Arethusa

🏛️ Greek MythologyFountain of ArethusaArethusa • Alpheus • Artemis

The nymph Arethusa, fleeing the unwanted advances of the river god Alpheus in Arcadia, was transformed into a stream by Artemis to escape. She traveled deep beneath the Ionian Sea to emerge in Syracuse, Sicily, as a freshwater fountain. Alpheus, fueled by obsession, channeled his own waters under the ocean to eventually merge his current with hers in the island of Ortygia.