tragic queen Elissa, foundress
of Carthage. Her brother, Pygmalion
slew her husband, the chief priest
Acharbas and in the uproar fled
with Tyrian nobles, bearing gold
on a fleet of Phoenician ships.
Then on Mauritanian coastline
she bought some land to build
a new city-state, from the vantage
of Byrsa on which her citadel stands
'circumfenced' by strips of ox-hide
strung along the perimeter of the hill
The Berber chieftain rather stingily
offered as much land as a ox-hide
could cover and later on sought her
hand in marriage as the city grew
in wealth and regional importance
but she threw herself into flames
of a priestly funeral pyre to Tanit
in self-immolation for the dead
god of vegetation, Adonis-Eshmun
Dido, as she was known, hence was
elevated to goddess and patroness
of that great Punic realm of Carthage
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Author:
crypticbard (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: June 15th, 2022 07:06
- Comment from author about the poem: from ancient myths and legends
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 8
Offline)
Comments2
A very nice review of a classic theme. Well written and enjoyable
Thanks Soren, much appreciated. /Rik.
I enjoyed this dive into Greek history, and so, was inspired to google Elyssa. What a fascinating story. Thank you!
Thanks Bella. Sometimes it is a struggle to understand how our ancients thought and their stories could bring us to places and situations that appear otherworldly.
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