Lasos

Lasus (Λάσος ὁ Ἑρμιονεύς, Lásos ho Hermionéus; /lásos ho hermi̯onéus/) was a poet and musician from the Greek city of Hermione, in the Peloponnese. He is often remembered for his contributions to the development of Greek choral lyric poetry and music, as well as for his association with the cultural and intellectual life of Athens under the rule of the tyrant Hipparchus. According to Herodotus, Lasus also exposed Onomacritus' forgeries of the oracles of Musaeus.

Lasus is credited with several innovations in Greek music and poetry, including advancements in the structure and performance of the dithyramb, a form of choral lyric poetry dedicated to the god Dionysus. His work in refining the dithyramb contributed to the evolution of Greek drama, particularly tragedy, which emerged from dithyrambic competitions held during Dionysian festivals. As a teacher, Lasus's influence extended to notable figures of his time, including the poet Pindar, who is said to have been one of his pupils. His involvement in Athenian cultural life brought him into contact with prominent leaders and intellectuals, including Hipparchus, under whose patronage Athens experienced a flourishing of arts and letters.