Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Sybaris and Crotona explained
This chapter contrasts the luxurious and effeminate city of Sybaris with the disciplined and strong city of Crotona.
What happens
This chapter contrasts the luxurious and effeminate city of Sybaris with the disciplined and strong city of Crotona. A war erupts between them, resulting in Sybaris's destruction, led by the famed athlete Milo. The chapter recounts Milo's legendary strength and his tragic death when his hands become trapped in a split tree trunk, leading to his being devoured by wolves.
Themes in this chapter
Hubris and Divine Retribution
Milo's attempt to rend the oak tree, a symbol of overconfidence in his own strength, leads directly to his demise, illustrating the theme of hubris punished.
Characters to notice
- Milo
The celebrated athlete who led the army of Crotona to victory over Sybaris. Known for his immense strength, he famously carried a heifer and ate it in a single day. He died when his hands were trapped in a split tree trunk and he was devoured by wolves.
Key passages
“Sybaris, a neighboring city to Crotona, was as celebrated for luxury and effeminacy as Crotona for the reverse.”
Sybaris was famous for its love of luxury and soft living, while Crotona was known for its toughness and discipline.
Establishes the contrasting characters of the two cities.
“Milo, the celebrated athlete, led the army of Crotona.”
The famous strongman Milo commanded the Crotonian forces.
Introduces Milo's role in the war.
“As he was passing through a forest he saw the trunk of a tree which had been partially split open by woodcutters, and attempted to rend it further; but the wood closed upon his hands and held him fast, in which state he was attacked and devoured by wolves.”
While walking in a forest, Milo noticed a tree trunk that had been partly split by woodcutters. He tried to split it further, but the wood snapped shut on his hands, trapping him. In this helpless position, he was attacked and eaten by wolves.
Describes the ironic and tragic death of Milo.