According to Bulfinch'
s Mythology, Syrinx (
Greek Óõñéãî) was a nymph and a follower of Artemis, known for her chastity. Pursued by the amorous Greek god Pan, she ran to the
river's
edge and beseeched succor from the
river nymphs. In answer, she was transformed into hollow water reeds that made a haunting sound when the god's frustrated breath blew across them. Pan cut the reeds to fashion the first set of pan pipes, which were thence forth known as syrinx. The word 'syringe' orignated from this word.
Syrinx in popular culture
The Canadian rock band Rush wrote "The Temples of Syrinx", part of their twenty-minute epic track, 2112. The name is ironic because the Priests of the Temples in the dystopian
society depicted in the lyrics are opposed to
music and advocate the destruction of musical instruments.
In the song "10001110101" by Clutch, The Temple of Syrinx is said to be having the bake sale of the year.