MARSYAS, in fabulous history, a Phrygian who excelled in playing on the flute. Arriving at Nysa, he presumed to dispute with Apollo the prize of music: but that god, singing to his lyre, was decreed the conqueror; when, being enraged at Marsyas's presumption, he had him tied to an oak, and fled alive. Apollo afterwards changed him into a river of Phrygia, which was therefore called by his name. See APOLLO.