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Alycone, who was married to
Ceyx, was intent on preventing him from taking a long trip to
consult with an oracle on a state matter. She argued with him
that the journey was too dangerous and the seas too stormy.
However, the end result was that he went anyway. But he didn't
return. Ceyx died at sea.
When the time for his return
had passed, Alcyone feared he had died, but still prayed to
Hera for his safe return. Hera took pity on Alycone and sent
an apparition in the shape and form of that of her late
husband who told her that he had died and that her name had
been on his lips as he drowned. He asked that she accept this
and send him her tears, as he didn't want to step into the
shadows without them. She held out her hand and asked him to
wait for her and said that she would go with him - but he
faded into the darkness and was gone.
The following morning she walked on the beach and saw his body
floating towards her. She took him in her arms and wept and
wept.
The sight of her caused the
gods to take pity and from then Ceyx and Alycone were given
new lives - transformed into birds. Ceyx was granted the white
wings and yellow head of the gannet - whilst Alycone
was given the beautiful colours of the kingfisher.
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This
piece is strung with stone and pearl, set in a hand-made brass
bezel
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