Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Ceyx and Halcyone: or, the Halcyon Birds explained
King Ceyx of Thessaly, grieving over his brother's death and ominous signs, decides to consult the oracle of Apollo.
What happens
King Ceyx of Thessaly, grieving over his brother's death and ominous signs, decides to consult the oracle of Apollo. His wife Halcyone, daughter of Aeolus, pleads to accompany him but he refuses. During the voyage, a violent storm destroys the ship and Ceyx drowns. Juno sends Iris to Somnus, who dispatches Morpheus to appear as Ceyx's ghost to Halcyone. She awakens in grief, goes to the shore, and discovers her husband's body.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Transformation
Halcyone's profound devotion to Ceyx leads to her grief and eventual transformation into a halcyon bird, symbolizing eternal love and the calming of the seas.
Mortality and Immortality
Ceyx's mortal death contrasts with the divine intervention of Juno and Somnus, and the eventual metamorphosis of the lovers into immortal birds.
Characters to notice
- Juno
Goddess who, weary of prayers for the dead Ceyx, sends Iris to Somnus to dispatch a dream to Halcyone.
- Iris
Messenger of Juno, sent to the cave of Somnus to command a dream for Halcyone.
- Orpheus
Morpheus, son of Somnus, is described as the most expert in counterfeiting forms; he assumes the shape of Ceyx to appear to Halcyone.
Key passages
“Ceyx was king of Thessaly, where he reigned in peace, without violence or wrong. He was son of Hesperus, the Daystar, and the glow of his beauty reminded one of his father.”
Ceyx ruled Thessaly peacefully and was known for his radiant beauty, inherited from his father Hesperus, the morning star.
Introduces Ceyx's lineage and character.
“Halcyone, the daughter of Aeolus, was his wife, and devotedly attached to him.”
Halcyone, daughter of the wind god Aeolus, was deeply devoted to her husband Ceyx.
Establishes the couple's close bond.
“I promise, by the rays of my father the Daystar, that if fate permits I will return before the moon shall have twice rounded her orb.”
Ceyx vows by his father's light that he will return within two months, if fate allows.
Ceyx's promise to Halcyone before departing.
“When Halcyone saw these preparations she shuddered, as if with a presentiment of evil.”
Halcyone trembled with a foreboding of disaster as she watched the ship being prepared.
Foreshadows the tragic outcome.
“Ceyx thinks of Halcyone. No name but hers is on his lips, and while he yearns for her, he yet rejoices in her absence.”
During the storm, Ceyx calls out only for Halcyone, grateful that she is not with him to face the danger.
Highlights Ceyx's love and concern for his wife.
“He prays that the waves may bear his body to her sight, and that it may receive burial at her hands.”
Ceyx hopes the sea will carry his corpse to Halcyone so she can give him a proper burial.
Ceyx's final wish before drowning.