One of my favourite songs is Orbital's 1993 nine minutes and twenty-seven second track, Halcyon and On and On. The song came out just before my time. I remember hearing it in the car a lot or on films growing up.
My partner in crime is a radio presenter/DJ/Producer. I'm always giving him ideas and asking him to remix tracks or create a bootleg. I don't have the technical knowhow to put my ideas into work, so naturally, we work together. Muscles and brain sort of style.
Cut back to last week and I bring up the Orbital track and how much I love this song. Maybe create something from or inspired by it? It's a timeless classic. It took next to no convincing, and rightfully so.
The song is euphoric and ethereal with a bouncy bass. If you haven't heard it, I will link it here:
We got to talking about ideas, and that was when it hit me. What does Halcyon actually mean? How many times have I heard the song but never once thought to find out?
The timing of my discovery I am taking as a sign. For me, it resonates with what the world is lacking, as well as in my personal life.
Love, Sadness and Kingfishers
- As an adjective, Halcyon can describe an idyllic, calm, and peaceful atmosphere. Suggesting times of happiness, tranquillity, or prosperity.
- As a noun, Halcyon is a large kingfisher and has been the subject of fables and myths. Symbolising many things, including transformation, peace and patience.
In Greek mythology, the Halcyon (or Alcyone) is a woman who was transformed into a kingfisher, after the Gods had her lover Ceyx killed.
The couple dared to compare their love to Zeus and Hera and called themselves as such. When Ceyx went on a voyage to consult the oracle at Delphi, Zeus took his opportunity for retribution. Conjuring a violent tempest that sunk Ceyx's vessel and all on board.
Halcyon prayed to Hera for his safe return. As days turned to weeks, her fear and worry grew. Moved by this, Hera sent Iris, her messenger, to the god of sleep, Hypnos, with a request. Hypnos then dispatched his son Morpheus, the god of dreams, to appear to Halcyon as Ceyx, informing her of his death.
Consumed by despair, and wanting nothing but to join him in death. She threw herself into the rolling waves where her lover's body lay. Zeus took pity on the couple. Transforming them both into halcyon birds so that their love could endure, untouched by the burdens of mortality.
Winter Bird and Calming Seas
My personal favourite story is about a mythical bird that breeds during the Winter Solstice. Its nest floats along on the sea, having the power of calming the wind and waves.
In Naturalis Historia (Natural History), a vast encyclopaedia of the natural and human worlds, scholar Pliny the Elder wrote (1885):
It is for this that the halcyon is more especially remarkable; the seas, and all those who sail upon their surface, well know the days of its incubation. This bird is a little larger than a sparrow, and the greater part of its body is of an azure blue colour, with only an intermixture of white and purple in some of the larger feathers, while the neck is long and slender [...]
It is a thing of very rare occurrence to see a halcyon. [...] They hatch their young at the time of the winter solstice. [...] during this period, the sea is calm and navigable [...]
They make their nest during the seven days before the winter solstice and sit the same number of days after... It is impossible to cut them [nests] asunder with iron, and they are only to be broken with a strong blow, upon which they separate, just like foam of the sea when dried up.
It has never yet been discovered of what material they are made; some persons think that they are formed of sharp fish-Bones, as it is on fish that these birds live... their eggs are five in number.
Doesn't that just paint a lovely image? The contrast between the stillness of home while always never settling in one place. To be calm in an environment that is predictably unpredictable. How the harshness of winter life subverts itself to create the ideal conditions for it to thrive.
It is a reminder that in times of darkness, light can still shine and shine brightly.
Nine Days Left of 2024
Vocal wanted us to write our Soundtrack of the Year Challenge. I haven't done that. To be honest, I'm unsure if it should be submitted.
Regardless, Orbital's rendition of Halcyon has led me down this path of myths and legends to peace and tranquility.
This will be my soundtrack for the year 2025. A year, I hope, will be as Shakespeare too also wrote:
"Halcyon days"
Joan of Arc in Henry VI, Part I.
Sources:
Yannis Samatas: The Myth of Halcyon and Ceyx, 25 May. 2010. Updated 19 Dec. 2024.
- greekmyths-greekmythology.com: https://www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/myth-of-halcyon-ceyx/.
Oxford English Dictionary
World Histories: Meanings and Origin of the Word 'Halcyon'
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Comments (2)
Halcyon is one of my all time favourites too. Did not know about the winter solstice bird nesting. Fascinating!
Halycon is beautiful track. Orbitals brand of electronica is masterful. I love learning about the background to word too. Thanks Rosie.Merry Christmas and Happy Halycon new year.