In Greek mythology, Pirene or Peirene (Ancient Greek: Πειρήνη means "of the osiers"^[1]), a nymph, was either the daughter of the river god Asopus,^[2] Laconian king Oebalus,^[3] or the river god Achelous,^[4] depending on different sources. By Poseidon she became the mother of Lecheas and Cenchrias.

Mythology

When her son Cenchrias was unintentionally killed by Artemis, Pirene's grief was so profound that she became nothing but tears and turned into the Pirene (fountain) outside the gates of Corinth.^[5] The Corinthians had a small sanctuary dedicated to Pirene by the fountain where honey-cakes were offered to her to during the dry months of early summer.

The fountain was sacred to the Muses and it was there that Bellerophon found Pegasus (as Polyidus had claimed), drinking, and tamed him.^[6]