Byblis



In Greek mythology, Byblis or Bublis (Ancient Greek: Βυβλίς) was a daughter of Miletus. Her mother was either Tragasia, Cyanee, daughter of the river-god Meander, or Eidothea, daughter of King Eurytus of Caria. She fell in love with Caunus, Apollo’s grandson and her brother. Despite her initial efforts to convince herself that her feelings were natural, she realized the inappropriateness of them. Unable to keep her love for Caunus a secret from him any longer, she sent him a long love letter through a servant giving examples of other incestuous relationships between the gods. Disgusted, he ran away. Believing that she could yet make him love her, she was determined to try to woo him once more. When she found out that he had fled, she tore her clothes in sadness and was driven into madness. She followed him through much of Greece and Asia Minor until she finally died, tired and sad. She was changed into a spring.

Other stories say that Caunus fell in love with her before disappearing and breaking Byblis' heart, but she still dies, hanging herself with her girdle. Or she jumps off a cliff and is saved by hamadryads. There is also a version where Caunus instigates the incest, but Byblis still seems to return his affection.