Their love was equal; on the hills they roamed together…
““Their love was equal; on the hills they roamed together, and together they would go back to their cave; and this time too they went into the Lapith's palace side by side and side by side were fighting in the fray. A javelin (no knowing from whose hand) came from the left and wounded Cyllarus, landing below the place where the chest joins neck--slight wound, but when the point was pulled away, cold grew his damaged heart and cold his limbs. Hylonome embraced him as he died, caressed the wound and, putting lips to lips, she tried to stay his spirit as it fled. And when she saw him lifeless, she moaned words that in that uproar failed to reach my ears; and fell upon the spear that pierced her love, and, dying, held her husband in her arms.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The tragic love of Cyllarus and Hylonome illustrates devotion, sacrifice, and the pain of loss in war.
In simple terms: Their love ends in death on the battlefield.
Key Takeaway
Cherish love despite inevitable loss.
Themes
love
war
sacrifice
tragedy
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
mythic
literary
When to use this quote
- military history education
- literary analysis
- grief counseling
Key Concepts
mythic romance
heroic sacrifice
Questions to Reflect On
- How does their story reflect the costs of conflict?
- What can we learn about loyalty from their bond?
A Different Perspective
Mythic narratives may romanticize suffering.