The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Ab′aris

AB′ARIS, the Hyperborean (fabled as from the Caucasus or thereabout), a legendary sage first mentioned by Pindar and Herodotusm 5th century b.c., but quite uncertain of date or existence. He had the prophetic gift, and a magic arrow of Apollo on which he rode through the air; cured by incantations, rid the world of a great plague, etc. The Neo-Platonists made him Pythagoras' companion.