Cephalus and Procris By: Heidi Morgans

The Javelin: Phocus asks Cephalus about his unique javelin The javelin is very beautiful But it also always hits its mark and then returns to the hand that threw it

Cephalus tells his Sad Story:  Married to Procris)  They were very happy

 Two months after marriage, Cephalus was hunting when the Dawn (goddess of the morning) carried him away  However, he would only speak of Procris  the Dawn released him but warned he would regret his decision

Aurora (Dawn) and Cephalus

 Cephalus took this warning to mean Procris was being unfaithful  with the help of the Dawn, he disguised himself and tempted her  at one point she hesitated, he revealed himself and she ran away to join Diana  regretted this action  Procris returned and brought one of Diana’s hunting dogs (Laelaps) and the javelin

Side Story about Laelaps Beast terrorizing Thebes Let loose Diana’s hound both turned to stone

The Downfall: Cephalus would hunt and take only his javelin would rest and call to the breeze, which he gave the name “Aura” someone overheard and believed he was being unfaithful with a nymph told Procris who decided to spy on him to be certain

 Cephalus hunted then called to the breeze  Procris stirred in the bushes  thinking it was a beast, he throws the javelin  as she is dying, she asks him not to bring Aura into their bedroom  realized mistake  Procris dies

Procris dies

Shakespeare: In a Midsummer Night’s Dream Pyramis: “Not Shafalus to Procrus was so true.” Thisbe: “As Shafalus to Procrus, I to you.”

Modern Uses: Aurora (Northern Lights)

Moral Encourages faithfulness and trustworthiness