ALCYONIDES IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
The Alcyonides in Greek Mythology
The Alcyonides was the collective name for the daughters of the Gigante Alcyoneus. Commonly said to be seven in number, the Alcyonides famous in Greek mythology for their transformation.
The Alcyonides
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The Alcyonides were the daughters of Alcyoneus; Alcyoneus being named by some as the King of the Gigantes.
Today, it is commonly said that there were seven Alcyonides, named Alcippe, Anthe, Asteria, Drimo, Methone, Pallene and Phthonia. Names and numbers for the Alcyonides derives primarily from the Souda, the 10th century AD encyclopedia, which was based on much older sources. Other, older sources though do tell of there being seven, nine or eleven Alyconides. |
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The Transformation of the Alcyonides
Alcyoneus was one of the Giants who went to war with the gods of Mount Olympus during the Gigantomachy. Heracles would fight against the giants and it was commonly said that Heracles killed Alcyoneus, who was amongst the strongest of the Gigantes.
When their father was killed, the Alcyonides were distraught, and sought to kill themselves by throwing themselves into the sea from Canastraeum (Cape Paliouri).
The goddess Amphitrite observed the daughters of Alcyoneus, and before they died, she transformed them into kingfishers (Alcyones/Halcyons).
The ancient Greeks referred to the days of winter calmness for seas and sky as Alcyonides, Halcyon Days, although the root of Halcyon Days is also given as the myth of Alcyone in Greek mythology.
When their father was killed, the Alcyonides were distraught, and sought to kill themselves by throwing themselves into the sea from Canastraeum (Cape Paliouri).
The goddess Amphitrite observed the daughters of Alcyoneus, and before they died, she transformed them into kingfishers (Alcyones/Halcyons).
The ancient Greeks referred to the days of winter calmness for seas and sky as Alcyonides, Halcyon Days, although the root of Halcyon Days is also given as the myth of Alcyone in Greek mythology.
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Colin Quartermain - Alcyonides - 26th February 2020