Hyacinthus was killed either accidentally by the god Apollo or intentionally by the jealous wind god Zephyrus (or Boreas). The most common mythological account attributes his death to Apollo.
The Tragic Demise of Hyacinthus
Hyacinthus, renowned for his great beauty, captivated the affections of both Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and light, and Zephyrus, the West Wind. His death is a poignant tale in Greek mythology, illustrating themes of love, jealousy, and fate.
There are two primary versions detailing who was responsible for his death:
1. The Accidental Killing by Apollo
- Killer: Apollo
- Motive: None; it was an accident.
- Method: While Apollo was teaching Hyacinthus how to throw the discus, one of Apollo's throws accidentally struck Hyacinthus.
This is considered the usual version of the myth. Apollo, in his grief, transformed Hyacinthus into the hyacinth flower, with the petals often said to bear the lamentation "AI AI" (alas).
2. The Jealous Act of Zephyrus (or Boreas)
- Killer: Zephyrus (or Boreas, the North Wind, in some variations)
- Motive: Intense jealousy over Hyacinthus's affection for Apollo.
- Method: As Apollo and Hyacinthus engaged in discus throwing, Zephyrus, in a fit of rage and envy, deflected the discus with a gust of wind. The discus veered off course and struck Hyacinthus on the head, causing his fatal injury.
This version highlights the destructive power of unrequited love and jealousy among divine beings. Regardless of the perpetrator, the outcome was the same: the tragic death of the beautiful youth Hyacinthus.
Summary of Accounts
| Aspect | Version 1: Apollo's Accident | Version 2: Zephyrus's Jealousy |
|---|---|---|
| Perpetrator | Apollo | Zephyrus (or Boreas) |
| Motive | None (Accidental) | Jealousy |
| Method | Struck by a discus thrown by Apollo | Discus deflected by wind, hitting Hyacinthus |
His story remains a powerful myth about loss and the origin of the hyacinth flower, forever stained by the sorrow of a god or the malice of a jealous wind.
