Philomela
9.9
A poetic name for the nightingale often linked to sorrow
- proper noun
- Literature
:
filomela
- Literature often depicts Philomela as a nightingale, using her song as a powerful symbol of grief.
- Philomela the nightingale
Examples
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Philomela becomes a nightingale, Procne a swallow, and Tereus a hoopoe.
Fiction book (1991) -
In Greek mythology, Philomela symbolizes the nightingale's sorrowful song.
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In some versions of the tale, as in Purgatorio IX.15, Philomela becomes a swallow, and Procne, the nightingale.
Fiction book (1991) -
The tale of Philomela highlights the transformation of a woman into a nightingale, representing her enduring pain.
Synonyms
16
4.4
A small bird that sings beautifully at night
is the poetic name often used to symbolize song or sorrow in literature
9.9
A small bird that sings a very beautiful song
is used in literature as a symbol of song or sorrow
8.6
A small songbird in Europe called the nightingale that sings loudly at night
is a poetic literary label that highlights symbolic song or sorrow in texts
Surface Forms
Philomela main
Etymology
Philomela comes from Greek philo- 'loving' and mel- 'song', so poets call the nightingale a Philomela when they want to show its beautiful but sad song.