: Even Homer's Iliad mentions a boy singing the Linus-song on the Shield of Achilles.

: He was the musical tutor for legendary figures, including Orpheus, whom he taught to play the lyre, and Heracles (Hercules) . The Tragic Deaths of Linus

Greek tradition often reconciles conflicting accounts by suggesting there were two different figures named Linus, both of whom met violent ends:

The name "Linus" is intrinsically linked to the "Linus-song" ( ailinos ), a traditional Greek song of lamentation performed at religious festivals to mourn the premature death of nature.

: Another account focuses on his role as a tutor. While teaching music to a young Heracles , Linus reprimanded the hero for his lack of skill. In a fit of rage, Heracles struck Linus with his own lyre, killing him. Artistic and Cultural Legacy