The Constellation
Pisces |
 |
 |
Mythology and History |
 |
 |
The Fishes. |
|
Pisces contains that point in the sky occupied by the Sun
during Vernal Equinox, the day on which the hours of daylight and night
are equal, which falls about March 21. So Pisces claims the number
one position of importance among the twelve constellations of the Zodiac. |
|
According to Greek myth, there was a monstrous god named
Typhon, who was determined to overthrow Zeus and his entire group of gods.
So terrifying and powerful was the evil god that he caused the immortal
followers of Zeus to flee into Egypt in exile. Zeus alone remained
behind to do battle and eventually conquer Typhon. We are told that
one day Aphrodite and her son Eros were walking along a riverbank when
they sensed the presence of the monstrous god Typhon. Quickly they
plunged into the river where they took the form of fishes and escaped.
To this day we see them as the Northern Fish and the Western Fish of Pisces. |
|
Pisces was known by the Babylonians as Nunu, by the Persians
as Mahik, and the Turks as Balik, all meaning "Fish." |
|
The Arabs also knew Pisces as Al Samakatain, or "the
Two Fishes." |
|
The Syrians regarded fish as holy animals and so refused
to eat them. |
|
The Chinese called Pisces at various times the Dark Warrior,
the Northern Emperor, and the Pig. But after missionaries were established
in that country the constellation became known popularly as the Two Fishes. |
|
A German story illustrates the wealth-giving power of fishes
and points out a moral for greedy humans. This story describes how Antenteh
and his wife lived in very poor circumstances in a cabin by the sea. Their
only possessions were a crude cabin and a tub. They had filled the tub
with down and feathers from swans and geese so that they might, at least,
have a place to sit and rest. One day Antenteh caught a fish, which pulled
and tugged so vehemently at the net that he decided to let the fish go
back to the sea again. To the amazement of Antenteh, the fish started to
speak to him. The fish told Antenteh that he was an enchanted prince and,
in return for his release, Antenteh could ask for anything he desired.
But Antenteh was a simple soul and felt so honoured at having rescued a
person of such nobility that he would not accept anything. However, when
his wife heard the story, she became extremely angry with him for letting
such an opportunity pass. She nagged Antenteh until he went back to the
shore, where he called for the fish, who instantly came swimming towards
him. Rather embarrassed, Antenteh told the fish of his wife's wish for
a house with furniture in it. The fish told him to leave everything to
him and to return to his cabin. Antenteh did so where, instead of his cabin,
he found a splendid house. If Antenteh's wife had not been so greedy, all
might have ended well, but after a while she wanted more. She wished to
be a queen and have a palace. Her wish was granted. Still not satisfied,
she demanded to become a goddess. And that was the end of it all. The fish
was furious at the insatiable desires of this woman. With one flip of his
mighty tail he made everything Antenteh had been given disappear, and in
its place there stood again the tub with feathers in the little cabin by
the sea. A warning for those who have plenty, not to dare the gods and
be too greedy! [The New Patterns in the Sky by Julius D.W. Staal
©1988] |
back to Constellation Table
- Planetarium Home Page
|
