#ATOZCHALLENGE: Letter H: Hecuba's Fickle Fortune
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.
Labels: #ATOZCHALLENGE, Hecuba's Fickle Fortune
32 Comments:
Hah! That's so tragic. Superbly written. It makes me want to cry
I felt an amazing amount of satisfaction when she ripped them all to shreds. It's sad she died, but you can understand why.
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ClarabelleRant
Um, 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.
Such 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.
I haven't heard of this story. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
ohh that's tragic but loved the spirit of the Queen, so dignified. Beautiful narration.
Brave lady, I would say!
So 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!
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I had not heard of her story but after reading this one even I can say that I like her more than Helen.
Another good one! Well narrated.
An 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!
What a noble story. Really why is there no mention of a queen like her. Thanks for sharing the story
Sorry to have made cry but mythologies had mostly tragic ending. :(
SO beautifully written...Loved it :)
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.
Thanks for dropping by :-)
The moral of the story is that war is not good for the winners nor the losers.yet we are still fighting.
So many lives lost and all for nothing. I always wonder if women were given the respect what things have been different?
Definitely Suzy. Though revenge is also A negative emotion, but in this case I think that the Greeks deserved it.
Thank you so much :-)
Thank you so much :-)
Isn't that beautiful? It must've taken a lot of courage. Thanks for dropping by :-)
I think Helen of troy is a bit overrated. Forget the men, the Women had also done a lot of sacrifices. Thanks for dropping by :-)
Thank you so much Ruchi:-)
One of the most neglected characters I have seen.thanks for dropping by :-)
Thanks for droppingbye :-) there are a few mentions.but I think it is not magnified like Helen was.
Thank you so much Nikita:-)
Wow! She was brave.
Thanks. And thankGod for the few believe ones.
Interesting story Ina :-) What a brave Queen she was who fought for other till her last breath. ;-).Love reading your stories.
Fascinating, I had no idea about this. Very inspiring tale.
Wow! Thanks for writing this!
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