Eurybatus and Alcyoneus

Speranza

From "Metamorphoses"


Lots were drawn and Alcyoneus was chosen.

The child was handsome in character as well as physique.

Eurybatus, a valiant young man, happened upon the troop that was taking the child away.

Gripped by love for Alyconeus, Eurybatus asked the Delphians the reason for this procession, and rebelled at the idea of not being able to defend Alcyoneus.

Eurybatus snatched the wreaths from the head of Alcyoneus, and placing them on his own head, invited the priests to take him instead of the boy.

When the priests took him to the cave, he ran in, snatched the monster from her lair, and hurled her off the cliff.

Eurybatus, a young warrior, a Courete, an armed 'kouros' in the prime of life.

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In an earlier version, Eurybatus's original motivation was surely to show Alcyoneus what to do and encourage his teacher.