Jason and Cadmus in Myth :: essays research papers

Cadmus in Myth Zeus, under the disguise of a bull, had carried away Europa, the daughter of Agenor, the exponent of Phoenicia. Agenor commanded his son Cadmus to go in search of his sister, and not to return with go forth her. Cadmus went and seek long and far for his sister, but could not find her, and not face to return unsuccessful, consulted the illusionist of Apollo to know what country he should settle in. The oracle informed him that he should find a frighten in the field, and should go after her wherever she might wander, and where she stopped, should build a city and call it Thebes. Cadmus had just left the Castalian cave, from which the oracle was delivered, when he saw a young cow slowly walking before him. He followed her close, heading at the kindred time his prayers to Apollo. The cow went on till she passed the shallow channel of Cephisus and came out into the plain of Panope. There she stood still, and raising her broad forehead to the sky, filled the air ou t with her lowings. Cadmus gave thanks and, stooping down, kissed the foreign soil, then lifting his eyes, greeted the surrounding mountains. Wishing to offer a sacrifice to Zeus, he sent his servants to seek pure piddle for a libation. Nearby there stood an ancient grove which had never been misdirect by the axe, in the midst of which was a cave, thick covered with the mature manpowert of bushes, its roof forming a low arch, from beneath which burst forth a fountain of purest water. In the cave lurked a horrid serpent with a crested head and scales glittering like gold. His eyes shone like fire, his body was swollen with venom, he vibrated a triple tongue, and showed a triple trend of teeth. No sooner had the Tyrians dipped their pitchers in the fountain, and the ingushing waters made a sound, than the glittering serpent raise his head out of the cave and verbalize a fearful hiss. The vessels fell from their hands, the blood left their cheeks, they trembled in all limb.The serpent, twisting his scaly body in a huge coil, raised his head so as to overtop the tallest trees, and while the Tyrians from terror could uncomplete fight nor fly, slew some with his fangs, others with his folds, and other with his poisonous breath. Cadmus, having waited for the return of his men till midday, went in search of them.