Greek Myths XS: Maiandros' (Maeander's) Strict Parenting

The two young lovers Karpos and Kalamos spent their time enjoying themselves and exercising at the banks of the river-god Maiandros, who was also Kalamos’ father. The youngsters had known each other since birth and their relationship was one of care, respect and passion. When they were competing, Kalamos would make a habit of letting Karpos win, because of the warm and fuzzy feeling he got when the latter glowed with contentment. Now Kalamos’ father, being a rivergod, didn’t agree with his son’s generous attittude, or lack of ambition as he saw it. So one day, when the two boys held a swimming competition, he called on his mate, the West Wind, to sweep up his waves. Despite Kalamos’ desperate efforts to rescue his soulmate, Karpos drowned. If Maiandros had thought the event would harden his son’s character, he was mistaken. Kalamos never stopped mourning and his immense grief transformed him into a bush of reed (“kalamos” in Greek). Til today, you can hear his whispers of despair in the reed rustling in the wind.

Palaestra scene, tondo of Attic plate, Musée du Louvre, Paris, France

Swimmer Mosaic, Parco Archeologico di Ostia, Italy

Did you know?

• Maiandros was the god of the Meander-river, now the Büyük Menderes in Turkey.

• The sinuous, curvy river formed the inspiration for the “meander”-pattern (also known as “Greek key” pattern), that decorated ancient clothes, utensils and artworks.

• The “whispering” of the reed was also explained by the myth of Midas and his donkey ears: cfr. “Too Good to Be True”.