in Antiquity, a festival instituted at Athens in memory of Erigone the daughter of Icarius. This prince had given wine to some shepherds, who, being unaware of its intoxicating qualities, partook of it to excess; and under the impression that it was poison, killed Icarus. Erigone long sought for his body in vain; till at last, guided by a faithful dog, she discovered it. Overwhelmed with grief, she hanged herself—praying with her last breath that all the Athenian maidens might come to a similar end. As if her prayers had been heard, it so happened that a mania for this kind of death exhibited itself soon after among the Athenian women; and when the oracle was consulted on the subject, it replied that Erigone must be propitiated with a festival. It was customary for the Athenian maids who took part in its celebration to swing themselves, singing at the same time a song composed for the occasion by Theodorus of Colophon.