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| Hecuba gives up her son Polydorus to shepherds to keep him safe |
Troy, 486 CNo matter how prosperous they are, call no one blessed, until they die."--- Euripides, The Trojan Women.
The maids silently decked up the lone woman standing near the window, watching the macabre of human bodies lying waste outside. It was wartime and 10 years of war had got one used to such sights. The maids understood why their Queen Hecuba was dressing up today. They also knew that the same fate was awaiting them. For they were the unfortunate ones, who had survived the war. In today's date, death was more pleasant than life.
"Come, my girls," said Queen Hecuba quietly. "Odysseus would take over any moment. I have no sons left to protect me today. Even my youngest,Polydorus will not be able to reach me on time."
The maids kept their heads bowed down, unable to stop their tears. "I'll not have any tears," said the brave queen. "We'll go like the Royals that we are meant to be. No Greek can call us weak."
"But, my lady, how can you be a slave?" asked one of the maids timidly, "you've always been one of the most powerful queens."
"As you say – 'have been'. Times have changed as we will have to accept it – with dignity."
These were the last words the maids heard from the great Queen Hecuba, before the Greeks barged in led by Odysseus. They were all taken as slaves. They watched mutely as they were divided like cattle amongst victorious army. Even the princesses were not spared. But Odysseus laid a claim over Queen Hecuba, declaring her to be one of his future consorts. Hecuba kept silent but her eyes spitted fire, promising retribution if given a chance.
She sailed with Odysseus homeward bound, ignoring his many taunts and provocations. In her heart, her only joy was that even if her whole clan was destroyed, her youngest son Polydorus was safe.
But not for long.
One early morning the sailors shouted that a body was floating by. Upon investigations, it was found that it was Polydorus.He had come to take revenge for his mother and had been killed in the process. The last ray of hope dimmed and she felt a violent rage overtaking her soul. That moment Odysseus walked up and upon seeing her tragedy, mocked her loss.
Hecuba lost her senses and turned into a wild dog and ripped everyone on the deck. Though she freed all the maidens on that ship, she felt she had had enough and ended her life by jumping into the ocean.
Thus ended the life of one of the greatest Queens of her time - the only character one can call noble in the pages of mythological sagas.
Note:
During the Trojan war, much has been said about Helen of Troy, But there is not much said about the fallen queen of Priam, the King of Troy. This is my tribute to her.
#ATOZCHALLENGE: Letter H
A PROUD MEMBER OF THE TEAM HOLTON'S HERO
Hah! That's so tragic. Superbly written. It makes me want to cry
ReplyDeleteSorry to have made cry but mythologies had mostly tragic ending. :(
DeleteI felt an amazing amount of satisfaction when she ripped them all to shreds. It's sad she died, but you can understand why.
ReplyDeleteYou can find me here:
ClarabelleRant
I feel that she is one of the strongest character in all of the series that I have ever read. I am glad too that she could take her revenge.
DeleteUm, she was noble at the start, but she allowed hatred to turn her into a vengeful killer. It's a sad story of war. But all war has similar tragedies.
ReplyDeleteThe moral of the story is that war is not good for the winners nor the losers.yet we are still fighting.
DeleteSuch a tragic end. What if she had fought in the beginning? Would she have won and reversed her fate? Amazing story goes to show that destiny is written in stone and thing will happen when they are bound to happen.
ReplyDeleteSo many lives lost and all for nothing. I always wonder if women were given the respect what things have been different?
DeleteI haven't heard of this story. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely Suzy. Though revenge is also A negative emotion, but in this case I think that the Greeks deserved it.
Deleteohh that's tragic but loved the spirit of the Queen, so dignified. Beautiful narration.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much :-)
DeleteBrave lady, I would say!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much :-)
DeleteSo her last shred of patience ended when her son died! But she freed the women who were held slaves before jumping into the ocean. That must have required so much courage and bravery!
ReplyDeleteHidden
Isn't that beautiful? It must've taken a lot of courage. Thanks for dropping by :-)
DeleteI had not heard of her story but after reading this one even I can say that I like her more than Helen.
ReplyDeleteI think Helen of troy is a bit overrated. Forget the men, the Women had also done a lot of sacrifices. Thanks for dropping by :-)
DeleteAnother good one! Well narrated.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Ruchi:-)
DeleteAn amazingly narrated tale! What a noble queen, and sadly, so little is known of her. She is so dignified in the face of humiliation and death!
ReplyDeleteOne of the most neglected characters I have seen.thanks for dropping by :-)
DeleteWhat a noble story. Really why is there no mention of a queen like her. Thanks for sharing the story
ReplyDeleteThanks for droppingbye :-) there are a few mentions.but I think it is not magnified like Helen was.
DeleteSO beautifully written...Loved it :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Nikita:-)
DeleteThanks for dropping by :-)
ReplyDeleteWow! She was brave.
ReplyDeleteThanks. And thankGod for the few believe ones.
DeleteInteresting story Ina :-) What a brave Queen she was who fought for other till her last breath. ;-).Love reading your stories.
ReplyDeleteFascinating, I had no idea about this. Very inspiring tale.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for writing this!
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