Alcyone - Keykas

On the beautiful coast of Thessaly, there lived a sweet princess named Alcyone, daughter of Aeolus, the god of winds. Alcyone was married to Keuca, the noble and brave son of Lucifer, the god of the evening star. They loved each other very much and spent their days happily near the sea.

Wrath of the gods

Their love was so great that they believed they were equal to the gods. This arrogant attitude provoked the wrath of Zeus, the mighty god of Olympus, who decided to teach them a lesson.

Keykas is leaving

One day, Keykas decided to travel by boat to distant places. Alcyone was very worried, as the sea could be dangerous. He promised her that he would return quickly and that she would be safe.

The punishment

As Keykas was sailing in his boat, Zeus caused a heavy storm. The waves became huge and his ship sank. Keuca could not be saved and the sea took him away.

Grief

Alcyone waited anxiously for the return of her beloved. Every day she looked out to sea, hoping to see his ship return. But the days passed and Keykas was nowhere to be seen. Alcyone was sad and could not believe that she had lost him forever.

Great sorrow

The gods, seeing her great sorrow, decided to do something to comfort her. Zeus, moved by her deep sorrow, transformed her into a beautiful alcyone.

But...

However, as part of her punishment, Alcyone was condemned to lay her eggs in winter.

Wild waves pounded the rocks and destroyed her nest and eggs every time she tried to protect them.

Compassion

Seeing Alcyone's endless grief, Zeus decided to show his favour again. He ordered the winds to cease and the sun to shine for a fortnight in the heart of winter.

Thus, the sea became calm and Alcyone could safely lay her eggs.

These calm and sunny days in winter were called the Alcyonides days, in honour of the devoted Alcyone. And every year, during the winter, the alcyones make their nests near the shore.

The gods, to help them, send calm weather for a few days, the "Alcyonides days", so that the Alcyonites can build their nests safely.