Arion

Arion is a name used for several unrelated topics in mythology, biology, and modern usage. The most widely known is Arion, a legendary Greek poet and musician from the island of Lesbos. He became a prominent figure in ancient Greek lore for tales of his artistry and for surviving a pirate raid when, according to myth, he sang to the pirates and was carried to shore by a dolphin. The story was popular in classical literature and contributed to the image of the poet as a divine musician.

In biology, Arion is a genus of terrestrial slugs in the family Arionidae. These air-breathing mollusks are native to Europe and parts of North America and include several common species such as Arion rufus (red slug) and Arion ater (black slug). They are typically found in leaf litter, gardens, and moist habitats, feeding on plant matter and decaying material. They are hermaphroditic and can impact gardens as pests, though they also play a role in nutrient cycling.

In modern use, Arion appears as a given name and is used in various works of fiction, music, and branding. It is often chosen for its classical or mythic associations and is found in different languages and cultures.