Galaxy/The codex of Meander

River-god of Asia Minor, born to Oceanus and Tethys — the turning, twisting Maeander of Hesiod's catalogue, whose daughter Cyane bore Byblis and Caunus to Miletus in Ovid's Milesian tale.1

I

Hesiod names Meander among the eddying rivers Tethys bore to Ocean — in one breath with deep-swirling Eridanus, Strymon, and Alpheus in the first genealogy of waters.2

II

When Phaethon's fall set the world ablaze, Ovid counts Meander among the rivers that burned — turning and twisting with Peneus, Caicus, Inachus, and Alpheus in the universal conflagration that followed the youth's doomed chariot-ride.3

III

Near the Maeander's course, Ovid sets the Milesian tragedy: Cyane, daughter of the river, was united with Miletus and bore the twins Byblis and Caunus — the nymph whose unlawful love for her brother became a warning tale of Asia Minor.4

IV

Hyginus names Maeandrus among the Rivers born of Oceanus and Tethys in his genealogical preface — the wandering stream of Asia Minor in the same divine brood as Sangarius, Scamander, and Alpheus.5

the spine ignites as you read · hover a bond on the card — every mention of them lights in the story

BEYOND THE POETS

How the centuries since have seen Meander — art, artifacts and echoes.

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