Halcyon

Alcyone

   Halcyon is an old and poetical name of the kingfisher from Alcyone, the wife of Ceyx, king of Thessaly. When Ceyx was drowned in a storm at sea, the gods in pity for the lonely Alcyone, changed the two into kingfishers. There was a tradition among sailors that the halcyon laid its eggs in nests floating on the sea about the time of the winter solstice. In order that its nest might ride safely the bird was reputed to have the power of charming the wind and waves during this period. The calm weather usually found at this season was attributed, therefore, to the halcyon, whence the name. Even on land, pleasant mid-winter weather came to be known as halcyon days. It seems strange that the legend should not have attached itself to some gull, petrel, or albatross, rather than to the shore-loving kingfisher.