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Philomel

Philomel

1 9.9
A woman in Greek myth who becomes a nightingale after an attack
  • proper noun
  • NSFW
translation icon : Filomela
  • In Greek mythology, Philomel was transformed into a nightingale as a tragic consequence of her suffering.

Examples

  • His Philomel must lose her tongue today.

  • The story of Philomel reveals the impact of violence and betrayal in ancient tales.

  • "This is the tragic tale of Philomel... and treats of Tereus' treason and his rape."

  • Many myths revolve around Philomel, a figure who found her voice through her transformation into a bird.

Synonyms

Philomela
vsPhilomel
  • Literature
1 9.9

A woman in Greek myth who was turned into a nightingale

focuses on transformation following suffering violence

Surface Forms

Philomel main

Etymology

Philomel comes from Greek parts philo- ('love') and -mel ('song'), so the name means 'lover of song'. In the old story she was changed into a nightingale after a great suffering, and poets use Philomel to mean that bird and its beautiful, often sad, song.