Clytie

Helios entered the chamber where Leucothoe sat among her attendants, spinning by candlelight. He sent the maidens away and declared his love for her. When he revealed his radiant divine form, Leucothoe was overcome with fear. She made no outcry and remained silent before him. Helios then abandoned Clytie, the Oceanid daughter of Oceanus, and transferred his affection to Leucothoe, daughter of Orchamus, king of the eastern countries.

Clytie, angered by his rejection, told Orchamus about his daughter’s attachment to Helios. Orchamus punished Leucothoe by burying her alive. Helios grieved over her death and tried by every means to restore her. When these efforts failed, he sprinkled the grave and the body with heavenly nectar. The corpse melted into the earth, which filled with a sweet scent. A shoot of frankincense grew from the grave and rose above it.

Clytie gained nothing from her action. Helios did not return to her. Overcome by grief, she lay upon the ground and refused food. For nine days she watched Helios cross the heavens, keeping her face turned towards him. She gradually wasted away, until her limbs were fixed in the earth and her body changed into a pale plant. Its flower remained turned towards the Sun, following the god whose love she had once possessed.