Damon and Pythias' Underworld Quest: The Greek Legend Reimagined - Fireside Folklore with Hades, Ep. 19

Hades: Greetings, listeners. This is our penultimate journey on the ferry before the podcast will be entering Season 2. Hopefully this will be a peaceful journey since I am ready for some much-needed tranquility. Who would have thought that captaining this ferry would be such a whirlwind of activity? 

[Cell phone rings, playing "Canon in D".] 

Hades: Ah, when those dulcet tones play, I know it is none other than my better half, Persephone. Still, I do wonder why she feels it necessary to call me, for she knows I trust her judgment whilst I am away, and nothing can be more important than ensuring this ferry continues to run. Nevertheless, on the off-chance something is pressing, I shall answer.

My Queen, your wisdom illuminates the Underworld as I traverse the Stygian waters. How may your king assist you, even as he guides the souls to their eternal rest?

Persephone: There’s a petition I think you should personally handle. 

Hades: Your word is as binding as mine, Persephone. You know that. 

Persephone: Not when it comes to your garden. 

Hades: My garden? A mortal wishes to take from my garden? 

Persephone: Yes, my love. 

Hades: And you didn’t think it necessary to tell them no? 

Persephone: I’ll let you do the honors. 

Hades: Hmpf! This had better be good! I rarely part with anything from my sacred garden. Well listeners, it seems as though I must disembark from this ferry for a time, but this ferry must keep running, no matter what. Morpheus, please man this ferry until I return. 

Morpheus: Yes Lord Hades, but please don’t be too long for I must return to my duties soon. Without me, there will be no dreams. 

Hades: Understood. 

[Hades walks to the palace.] 

Hades: Well? What exactly was so important that you needed me to rule about, my dear? This had better be pressing—pressing enough to take Morpheus away from his duties. I had to ask him to man the ferry while I ruled on this … issue.

Persephone: Well, here’s the story, my love. You see, a man by the name of …

Hades: No, let’s get it straight from the horse’s mouth. I want this gentleman to petition me, himself! Well? Why did you feel it necessary to pull me away from my duties? And what, pray tell, makes you think I will part with whatever treasure you wish to have from my garden? 

Pythias: Lord Hades, my father Damon, has been suffering from a disease of unknown origin. It is causing a slow necrotizing of his digits, and I didn’t know what else to do. I finally dreamt about the existence of your garden and thought that it wouldn’t hurt to try and find out if these dreams had any merit. 

Hades: I see. You were courageous. I’ll give you that. So what made you think I would allow you to take from my garden? You are no Orpheus. You have no lyre with which to move my iron heart. 

Pythias: Well, my Lord, the truth is that if my father succumbs to this disease, then I would rather go too because he is not only my father, but also my best friend. 

Hades: How very touching. However, talk is cheap unless it is backed up with actions. 

Pythias: What must I do to prove that I speak true? 

Hades: Your father, Damon, is it? 

Pythias: Yes sir. 

Hades: Your father Damon must stay here in the Underworld with me. If you are not back here with what you seek in three days, then his soul will be mine. If you return with what you require from my garden, then you may cure him and both of you may leave with my blessing. 

Persephone: Hades, my love, don't you think that's a bit harsh? Three days is hardly enough time to navigate the perils of your garden, let alone return.

Hades: Persephone, my dearest, I understand your concern. But the Underworld and all within it, including the garden, abide by strict rules. The challenge must be formidable; it is the way of things here.

Persephone: But Hades, even the Fates allow for threads to be woven with hope. Might there not be a way to offer this mortal a fairer chance, while still upholding the gravity of the task?

Hades: You speak wisely, as always. Very well, I shall grant Pythias a slight boon to aid him in his quest. But the fundamental condition remains. Three days, no more.

Persephone: Thank you, my lord. May your fairness be as renowned as your justice.

Hades: Let it not be said that Hades does not listen to reason, or to the counsel of his queen. Pythias, be warned, the boon I grant will only assist you so far. The true test lies within your own resolve and courage.

Pythias: Thank you, Lord Hades, and you, Queen Persephone. I will not fail.

Hades: Now, the boon I shall grant you is Artemis’s hunting horn. Or rather, a replica of this coveted artifact. Here, in my realm, if you blow upon it, I shall come to your aid, but will do so only once, and it will be your task to know when the time is right to use it. 

Pythias: Yes, your Majesty. 

Hades: Now, before you set off, remember, while the horn’s power to summon me is finite, its true worth may extend beyond a mere call for aid. In the depths of despair or the grip of deception, let it serve as a reminder of the mercy shown to you this day. For in the darkest moments, it is not just the call of the horn, but the memory of why it was given, that can guide you back to the light. The Underworld is a realm of truths and illusions, Pythias. Trust not only what you see or hear, but also what you know to be true in your heart. Now go, with my favor and this token of mercy, and may your journey reveal the strength of your spirit.

Pythias: Understood, Lord Hades. Thank you for your wisdom and compassion. 

Hades: Excellent. Let Damon, your father, be brought here. He will stay with Persephone and treated as an honored guest whilst I resume my duties in Charon’s absence. 

[Hades snaps his fingers, bringing Damon into the palace.] 

Damon: Pythias, my son! What … where … is that … 

Pythias: Yes Father. We are before Lord Hades. I came here because I had a dream that within his garden there grew a Stygian bloom which could bring about a cure to your necrotizing malady. 

Damon: My son! You’ve put everything on the line just for me? 

Pythias: Yes, Father. 

Hades: Your son has vowed to return here in three days’ time, but while he is journeying through my garden in search of the cure to your mysterious illness, you must remain here in my Underworld palace. Should your son fail, either because the garden claims his soul or his own courage fails him, then you will be fated to stay here in the Underworld forever. I have given Pythias three days to return with the Stygian lotus, the only flower in this universe capable of curing your ailment. 

Damon: Yes, Lord Hades. I understand. Whatever happens, I am sure my son Pythias will not falter. If he fails, it will not be due to a lack of trying. 

Hades: Very well. Then let the three days commence … now! 

[Hades starts an hourglass timer.] 

[As music plays.] 

Sphinx: Mortal, you who wishes to enter the garden, must solve a riddle. Fail and I shall have no choice but to devour you. Do you wish to proceed? 

Pythias: Yes. My father’s life is worth everything. Please proceed. Tell me your riddle. 

Sphinx: Very well. Then hear this riddle and hear it well, for I shall repeat it only once. 

In the realm of time, I am a ghost, Never here, yet near the most. In dreams, I'm the future you host, In dawn's light, I am almost.

Each day's end, I am sought, Yet by day's break, I am naught. I promise much, in plans ensnared, Yet when you reach me, I'm not there.

What am I?

Pythias: Ah, the sphinx has changed her riddle. No more asking what walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs at nightfall. Let’s see … In the realm of time, I am a ghost. … Is it something from the Underworld itself? No, that is too easy. Should I use the hunting horn and summon Lord Hades for aid now? No no, it is too early. Let us think further about the riddle. 

In dreams, I'm the future you host, In dawn's light, I am almost. It sounds as though it is like something that is just beyond my grasp and likely always will be. Each day's end, I am sought, Yet by day's break, I am naught. I promise much, in plans ensnared, Yet when you reach me, I'm not there. So something or someone we are always chasing but never catching. Hmmm. Oh! I know! It’s tomorrow! 

Sphinx: Well done, mortal. You may pass. 

[Gate opens and grants Pythias passage.] 

Eris: Halt, brave traveler. You tread a path fraught with peril and deception. Do you know the true nature of your quest?"

Pythias: I seek the Stygian lotus to cure my father's ailment. Lord Hades has granted me passage.

Eris: Oh, poor, naive soul. Your quest is a fool's errand. Hades, the ruler of this realm, is not known for his generosity to mortals. What you see as a quest is but a cruel game to him.

Pythias: I cannot believe that. He has given me his word, and his queen, Persephone, has shown compassion towards my plight.

Eris: Then witness with your own eyes the deceit of the gods.

Illusionary Hades: Persephone, do you think I care for the plight of mortals? This garden is my domain, and none shall take from it. The mortal's quest is but entertainment for me.

Illusionary Persephone: Hades, how can you be so cruel? You promised him a chance!

Illusionary Hades: Promises to mortals are like whispers in the wind. They hold no weight. His father's soul will be a fine addition to our realm, and the mortal shall wander these gardens forever, a testament to the folly of challenging the gods.

Eris: Now, brave Pythias, what say you? Will you continue this doomed quest, or will you turn back and save yourself?

Pythias: This... this cannot be. Lord Hades, he... he seemed just. But this... I...

[Flashback.] 

Persephone: But Hades, even the Fates allow for threads to be woven with hope. Might there not be a way to offer this mortal a fairer chance, while still upholding the gravity of the task?

Hades: You speak wisely, as always. Very well, I shall grant Pythias a slight boon to aid him in his quest. But the fundamental condition remains. Three days, no more.

Persephone: Thank you, my lord. May your fairness be as renowned as your justice.

Hades: Let it not be said that Hades does not listen to reason, or to the counsel of his queen. Pythias, be warned, the boon I grant will only assist you so far. The true test lies within your own resolve and courage.

Pythias: Thank you, Lord Hades, and you, Queen Persephone. I will not fail.

Hades: Now, the boon I shall grant you is Artemis’s hunting horn. Or rather, a replica of this coveted artifact. Here, in my realm, if you blow upon it, I shall come to your aid, but will do so only once, and it will be your task to know when the time is right to use it. 

Pythias: Yes, your Majesty. 

Hades: Now, before you set off, remember, while the horn’s power to summon me is finite, its true worth may extend beyond a mere call for aid. In the depths of despair or the grip of deception, let it serve as a reminder of the mercy shown to you this day. For in the darkest moments, it is not just the call of the horn, but the memory of why it was given, that can guide you back to the light. The Underworld is a realm of truths and illusions, Pythias. Trust not only what you see or hear, but also what you know to be true in your heart. Now go, with my favor and this token of mercy, and may your journey reveal the strength of your spirit. 

[Return to present.] 

Pythias: You are a liar! Lord Hades is both merciful and just, and I shall not let you deter me from my goals! 

[Pythias walks forward as Eris disappears.] 

Athena: Well done, Pythias. Two and a half days have passed since you entered the garden. 

Pythias: What? But I thought I was only here for an hour or two at the very most!

Athena: Time flows differently in the Underworld, but do not worry, for your time with Eris, the goddess of strife and discord, was the garden’s most difficult test. You see, Lord Hades wanted to test your faith, courage, and resolve. Step forward now, Pythias, into the Underworld garden and you will see before you two Stygian lotuses: one will bring about your father Damon’s cure, and the other will result in instant death. 

Use the horn you have been given and blow upon it, for this is the time when you must seek Lord Hades’s aid. 

[Hades is ferrying souls upon the river Styx.] 

Hades: One obol for passage, please. 

[The horn can be heard.] 

Hades: Morpheus, your assistance, please. 

[Hades walks into the garden.] 

Hades: You have called upon me at the most critical of moments, Pythias. The choice before you is grave, for selecting the wrong lotus will cause death, not just of the body but of the soul as well. 

Pythias: My Lord Hades, I implore your guidance, for the decision seems beyond my mortal abilities.

Hades: You have shown remarkable fortitude, Pythias. The journey through the Underworld is fraught with peril, yet you have navigated it with a steadfast heart. This was the true test, and you have prevailed. You were never meant to discern which lotus would bring about your father’s cure. Allow me.

[Hades approaches the lotuses, his figure casting a solemn shadow over the blooms. He extends his hand, and as he does, one lotus withers into ash, while the other radiates a soft, ethereal light.]

Hades: The lotus of death has withered into ash. The Stygian lotus you seek is the one that remains. Its essence will cure your father's ailment, as you so bravely endeavored to ensure.

Pythias: My deepest thanks, Lord Hades. Your fairness and justice have surpassed all tales and rumors spoken of you in the mortal realm. 

Hades: Now, let us return to the palace. Your father awaits, and time is of the essence.

[They return to the palace where Damon and Persephone await.]

Persephone: Welcome back, Pythias. And with the Stygian lotus!

Damon: My son, you have returned!

Pythias: Father, I have the cure. 

[There is a moment of silence as they wait.]

Damon: I... I feel the pain receding. The necrosis, it's healing!

Hades: The lotus of my garden does not disappoint. You have proven your worth, Pythias, and upheld your end of the bargain.

Persephone: And now, as promised, both of you may leave the Underworld, with my blessings and that of Lord Hades.

Damon: Lord Hades, Queen Persephone, we are eternally grateful.

Hades: Remember this journey and the lessons it has taught you. The Underworld is a realm of many secrets, but also of fairness and truth.

Pythias: We will never forget your mercy and justice, Lord Hades. Thank you.

[Pythias and Damon depart from the Underworld, as Hades and Persephone watch them go.] 

Hades: And so, listeners, ends another tale in the Underworld. We hope you have enjoyed this Underworld adaptation of Damon and Pythias, a story from ancient Greece, about the power of true friendship and love. Next week, I am told, will be my last week manning the ferry before Charon returns, and I hope he brings good tidings about his budding relationship with Nyx. Until next time, good night. 

Persephone: Goodnight everyone! 

[Music fades out.]