“Agorastis and Iphoné”

By Dick Swart on 16 September 2010

It is not for mortals to question the decisions of the Gods. Mortals can only sacrifice, plead and hope the rulers of the world will answer their prayer. And even then the poor souls can only assume that the favor is really given and not just a fluke of circumstances.

And for that reason Agorastis, son of Telemachos and the illustrious Klea, did not know why Poseidon had cast him a storm, wrecked his ship and drowned all his fellow travelers, yet let him live. He would rather have died with his friends then to be washed up on this sandy beach alone. Agorastis was exhausted and fell asleep in the sand while the sun dried his torn clothes.

The Island on which our hero was cast away, belonged to Iphoné the nymph of coolness. Iphoné was most likely the most beautiful nymph on earth. Her soft skin Golden hair and blue-grey eyes were unparalleled if you don’t count Helena, wife of Menelaos, lover of Paris and the cause of many dead warriors.

Iphoné saw Agorastis sleeping on the beach and she decided that this beautiful young man would stay forever on her Island. She would make sure that he’ll never want to leave the Island. She sat down and gently swept the sand from his face. Agorastis woke up and gasped for breath. He had never seen such a beautiful girl. But Agorastis, son of a king, was brought up well and used sweet words, not to frighten the girl. 

‘Oh, daughter of Zeus, for a beautiful woman as you , that you must be. I beg you not to run away, for my poor appearance is the result of a terrible fate. I’m just a poor soul who lost his ship and friends in a storm Poseidon must have cast up on me. All I ask you is a drop of sweet water if you can spare any and maybe you could show me the way to a city so that I can arrange passage to Ithaka and bring the bad news to all the parents of my dear friends. My survival burdens my heart. And I suspect that that’s the only reason why Poseidon kept me alive so that I can tell about his wrath for those who defy him and not bring him enough sacrifices.

Iphoné smiled and said: ‘Agorastis, for that is your name is it not?, I’ll bring you more than water. Poor souls that have suffered as much as you need more than just water and a save passage home. Come with me And I’ll see to it that all your needs are satisfied. Your hardship is over. The curse of Poseidon is over, I’ll see to that.’

Iphoné took Agorastis by the arm and both walked through the forest. The trees were heavy with fruit and game walked curiously towards them. It had to be easy to catch them. Agorastis did not speak and Iphoné just smiled. At the palace of Iphoné Agorastis laid down on a sofa and servants brought him wine, roasted meats and a variety of fruit he had seen in the forest. After honoring Poseidon by sacrificing roasted shanks wrapped in lard, Agorastis ate like a lion and only after his first thirst and hunger had gone he noticed that everything tasted like apple. He looked puzzled at Iphoné. The beautiful girl, nymph of coolness with the smooth skin, golden hair and blue-grey eyes smiled and said. Isn’t it delicious?’

Agorastis nodded and ate some more.

Life was easy on the island of Iphoné. Everything Agorastis needed was brought to him with a smoothness he never had experienced and the price was little. The persistent and penetrating taste of apple is something you don’t notice after a while. Once in a while, when he remembered his drowned friends and thought of their grieving parents, Iphoné seduced him with one of her games he always won with ease. 

tagged with: iphone, apple

Comments