There are lots of variations on the Greek Myth Origin Story about the Sunflower. This is the Greek Myth of Clytie (also Clytia) which supposedly tells how the sunflower came into existence. In fact, the original story of Clytie, the water nymph, was not actually about the sunflower at all but a flower named 'Turnsole.' It seems that more modern tellings of the story have substituted the turnsole for sunflower. Some versions of the story name the heliotrope or a marigold as the flower. Nevertheless, the Greek myth is a charming tale and fits the sunflower beautifully.
Clytie, the water nymph, was in love with Apollo, the Sun God. She would stare up at Apollo, hoping he would glance her way. But Apollo was in love with someone else and never did favor Clytie with his gaze. When Clytie realised that Apollo was never going to return her love, she sank into a depression and would not eat or drink for nine days but just stare with sorrow at her unrequited love. The other Gods felt sorry for Clytie and they transformed her into a beautiful sunflower which always followed the path of the sun.
Clytie, the water nymph, was in love with Apollo, the Sun God. She would stare up at Apollo, hoping he would glance her way. But Apollo was in love with someone else and never did favor Clytie with his gaze. When Clytie realised that Apollo was never going to return her love, she sank into a depression and would not eat or drink for nine days but just stare with sorrow at her unrequited love. The other Gods felt sorry for Clytie and they transformed her into a beautiful sunflower which always followed the path of the sun.
"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It's what sunflowers do." ~ Helen Keller
what gorgeous colors.
such subtle shadows.
just BE.
robin.
13 comments:
I love your post for the day, Robin, and I always enjoy Greek mythology! I have visited there and it surely did not disappoint me!! I didn't, however, run into Apollo while I was there, so guess I'll be a bit like Clytie! She was turned into a beautiful flower -- hope I'm as lucky! Beautiful captures and shadows! Enjoy your weekend!
The sunflower is amazing - we think of summer when it grows but now in the autumnal season, its yellow is a harvest color too. Spanning the seasons, the turning and fallen leaves and the flower combine in nature's artistry in fall. Lovely art and sentiments...
Just beautiful. The Greek myth you've shared is quite a charming tale!
;-)
I love sunflowers.
Enjoy your weekend, Robin.
It is a charming tale.
It's in the high 90's here yet, so it's wonderful to see your beautiful fall colored photos.
Loved the Greek Myth of the Sunflower...I don't think I'd heard that one before...and Greek Myths are one of my favorite things! Love all of your pictures...but the first one ~ there is SOOOOO much going on there once you start looking...love it!! Wishing you a wonderful week ahead :)
lovely shots of the sunflower...
How is it that someone who was blind could have penned such a line? Miracles abound-particularly for Helen Keller. Beautiful post.
Lovely shots again!
Greetings from Málaga, finally sunny day after 3-4 days of rain&storms...
My cold is giving up, I feel better today. Hubby leaves tomorrow and my course starts :) Interesting to see how much I can learn in three months...
Have a good week ahead!
ps. your new header is beautiful!
truly striking shots in the softest of butter yellows melting into myth. :)
Awesome captures as always.
My shadow
Lovely tale about Clytie who san now forever bask in the sun.
The leaves, the ripe pumpkin and the gorgeous sunflower! Such beauty and softened with shadow! Beautiful photos!
Delightful images you've captured!
My Shadow Shot
Have a great weekend!
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