Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Hercules and the Birds

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Starting point is 00:01:31 Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas, and I want to thank you for joining me once again. Tonight's story was written by Alexandra. We'll join Hercules as he takes on his sixth task, trying to defeat the Stymphalian birds. Just like the other creatures Hercules has encountered so far, such as the Lion of Numea, these birds are something out of the ordinary, and our hero will need some help. If you haven't heard the other episodes from this series yet, be sure to check them out another time. But you can still enjoy tonight's in its own right. Before we hear our story, just a gentle reminder that the very best way you can support the show

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Starting point is 00:03:36 The first 7 days of your subscription are free of charge. Visit GetSleepy.com slash support or follow the link in the show notes to learn more. Thank you so much my friends. So let's get ourselves in the perfect frame of mind and body to enjoy tonight's story. Make yourself as comfortable as possible, adjusting your position in any way you need and enjoying the support of your pillow beneath your head. Every night we all go through a process of settling down. Whether it's reading a book, sipping a nice hot drink, or maybe taking a warm bath an hour or two before bed, the important thing is to find what works best for you. Part of that process tonight will be listening and the story I'm about to tell. As you do, notice the more subtle parts of the process. Feel your body warm the bed, creating a cozy cocoon for you to rest in. Feel your muscles relax and your breathing slowing down becoming more tired with each passing moment. You're on your way towards a

Starting point is 00:05:52 beautiful night's sleep. All you need to do is listen along and let go of any resistance to relaxation and rest. And now that you're starting to unwind, we can begin tonight's story. We'll start by joining Hercules at the King's Palace as he waits for his next assignment. The sun was setting over the sea, turning the horizon into a band of gold. Hercules smiled as he gazed out of his bedroom window, watching the sun and sea melt together. He was glad to have caught this moment having woken up just in time after a long nap. After returning from the palace of Orgeas, Hercules had spent the past week here at the palace of King Eurystheus. The king was his cousin and the one who assigned him each task. But over the last few days, Hercules had enjoyed a break, resting at the palace while he awaited his next mission.

Starting point is 00:08:11 He'd spent his time drifting between the bedroom and the beach, waking each morning to go swimming, then heading back for an afternoon nap. swimming, then heading back for an afternoon nap. On this particular day, Hercules' nap had lasted longer than he'd planned. It was almost evening. As he watched the sunset from his bedroom window, he decided to go to the terrace where he would have an even better view. And there, he found a familiar face. The king was also soaking up the sunset. The two men greeted each other with a smile and a nod, then sat together in peaceful silence, watching the sun slip into the sea. As the sky darkened,

Starting point is 00:09:33 a servant came to light the oil lamps. Glancing at the nearby table, Hercules noticed a small, dark shape just below the lamp sitting in the pool of light. For a moment, he thought it was a marble. It was exactly the same shape and size. But when he picked it up, he realized that it was a grape. It must have fallen out of the King's breakfast bowl earlier that day. As Hercules rolled the grape between his fingers, the king looked at him curiously. The grape had brought back a memory, Hercules explained. It reminded him of a marble and an afternoon years ago at this very palace. When they were children, the king had stolen some of Hercules' marbles. Of course, it had been a very long time ago, said Hercules. He doubted the king remembered.

Starting point is 00:11:10 Or even if he did, thought Hercules, he would probably deny it. But to his surprise, the king laughed and nodded. Yes, he said, he remembered that day. As a matter of fact, he still had the marbles. He'd kept them all those years, tucked away in a trunk filled with other remnants from his childhood. In that case, said Hercules, he would like them back. The king let out another hearty laugh. The king let out another hearty laugh. Here was Hercules, a grown man and a hero, still thinking about some marbles he'd lost as a boy.

Starting point is 00:12:29 Very well, said the king. Hercules could have the marbles when he finished the next task, the sixth of his twelve labors. Twelve, said Hercules. He was sure the king had said there would only be ten labors in total, not twelve. With a twinkle in his eye, the king replied that the last task, the cleaning of the stables, didn't really count. The river had done the work, The river had done the work, not Hercules. And to make it a nice, even number, there should be twelve labors rather Hercules," said the king. That sounded much better. It rolled off the tongue. In the dim lamplight of the terrace, it was hard to read Hercules' expression, but the king thought his cousin looked a little dismayed. Cheer up, he said. You're nearly halfway there.

Starting point is 00:13:55 With a sigh, Hercules asked the king what his next task would be. He hoped it would be something more noble and heroic than the last one, cleaning the stables for Orgeas. Not to worry, said the king. This time, the task was a challenge worthy of a hero. He was sending Hercules to Lake Stymphalia, where the locals had a problem with some birds. What kind of birds, said Hercules. You'll see, said the king. He had a mischievous expression, thought Hercules. That twinkle in his eye. It would be disappointing to arrive at Stem Failure and discover that the birds

Starting point is 00:15:09 were mere pigeons. Nonetheless, Hercules accepted that this was Whether the birds were monsters or pigeons or something in between, he was ready. The next morning, Hercules rode to Stymphalia, traveling along a familiar road. For most of the journey, he followed the same route he had taken on his very first quest. It was the road to Namir. He remembered these expansive fields, these scattered villages. And when he passed through Namir, he realized that just as this place had left an impression on him, he too was remembered. The affection was mutual. People rushed out of their houses to see him as they were still so grateful for what he had done, defeating the lion and restoring peace to their town. Hercules smiled graciously, accepting their offers of food and gifts. He hoped he would have a similar impact in Stemphalia, helping the people and earning their gratitude.

Starting point is 00:17:11 By late afternoon, he was approaching the lake. His horse, Ianthe, trotted steadily towards the wide expanse of green-blue water, which seemed to blend into the surrounding landscape. The surface was so still, it created a perfect mirror, reflecting the green slopes of the nearby hills. At the edges, the lake merged into marshland. Reeds and rushes stood tall above the water, barely seeming to move in the breeze. seeming to move in the breeze. There was something almost eerie about the stillness, thought Hercules. It was like a painting, a static scene on a vase. The only wildlife he spotted was a lone heron standing motionless in the water, and while he could hear muted birdsong in the trees, he couldn't see any other living creatures. The heron and the timid birds in the background were surely not the creatures he had been sent here for. The king had talked of birds that were causing trouble in the countryside and disturbing the locals.

Starting point is 00:19:09 So far, however, everything seemed peaceful. Too peaceful, perhaps. Hercules decided to spend some more time by the lake, looking for signs of the birds, before heading towards the houses on the other side of the water. There was no rush after all. He might as well take his time and see what he could find. After dismounting and leaving Ianthe to graze not far from the shore, Hercules began to walk around the lake. The place reminded him a little of another lake, the one where he had encountered the Hydra during his second task. There had been a strange atmosphere atmosphere at that lake, with its jade green water, the fumes, and the unnatural stillness. This lake wasn't home to a monster, and yet, here too, there was something uncanny, too, there was something uncanny, something Hercules couldn't quite define.

Starting point is 00:20:58 It wasn't the presence of evil, he thought, but rather the absence of life. He felt that there should be more noise and movement instead of this absolute tranquility. It was as though the place was holding its breath, waiting for something. As the sun began to set, Hercules turned around and started to retrace his steps back towards Ianthe. He had to admit that despite the strangeness, the lake was beautiful, especially at this hour. The setting sun turned the water into dazzling golden glass. It looked like the entire sky had descended into the lake and now lingered there in perfect stillness. Just as Hercules paused to admire the view, from the corner of his eye, he became aware of a movement. his eye, he became aware of a movement. Looking up, he saw dark, distant silhouettes gliding across the amber sky. And as they came closer and closer towards the lake, Hercules realized that these were not ordinary birds. Their wings made a sound, a rattling, clinking noise, almost like armor. It wasn't the sound of feathers, but of metal.

Starting point is 00:23:13 Hercules watched in wonder as the birds flew overhead. There were so many of them, a flock of 50, 100, maybe more. They were about the size of a heron. But unlike the calm, motionless creature he had seen earlier, these birds were clearly on a mission. earlier, these birds were clearly on a mission. They moved swiftly, purposefully, towards the fields on the far side of the lake, and then were too far away. Hercules couldn't see what they were doing, let alone try to stop them. But if they were a problem for the locals, as the king said, most likely they were stealing crops. Before Hercules intervened, he wanted to know more about these birds. Besides, it was getting late and it was time for him to find somewhere to spend the night. He climbed onto Ianthe's back and rode on. A little later, in the half-light of dusk, Hercules reached a house on the outskirts of town. It wasn't quite a farm, but it had a large garden full of fruit trees.

Starting point is 00:25:18 A charming place to live, thought Hercules, tucked between the town and the lake. The garden had potential too, though some of the trees looked rather bare, and while it was hard to see clearly in the fading light, it looked like the vegetable plots were a work in progress. After tying up Ianthe nearby and making sure she had food and water for the night, Hercules went to the house and knocked on the door. He was greeted by a small, shy boy, who was immediately joined by another boy, then a girl, and finally a woman, the children's mother. Hercules introduced himself and began his explanation.

Starting point is 00:26:38 He had been sent here by King Eurythias. He had heard about a problem with some birds, and he was hoping to find somewhere to stay for the night. But the family barely heard a word. As soon as they heard the name Hercules, the children began to chatter excitedly among themselves, while their mother gaped in amazement. Of course, said the woman at last, it would be an honor to host him, as long as he didn't mind sharing a room. Hercules replied that he would be grateful for anything they could offer him. Something to eat and somewhere to sleep. That was all he needed. The woman ushered him into the kitchen where she was in the middle of preparing dinner.

Starting point is 00:27:58 They were soon joined by her husband, who was rendered momentarily speechless, finding the famous Hercules at his kitchen table. Once they had overcome their initial shyness, the couple, Theris and Helen, told Hercules all about the birds. They were pests, said Theris. The birds had eaten nearly everything in the garden – figs, pears, pomegranates, not to mention the vegetables. In fact, said Helen, this stew contained one of the last leaks she had managed to salvage. The birds had first appeared at Stymphalia about a year ago. According to Theris and Helen, the creatures were seemingly indestructible. Arrows had no effect on them.

Starting point is 00:29:20 They also had sharp bronze beaks, which meant they could peck their way into anything. Not only did they steal crops from the fields, but they also used their beaks to break into the town's supplies of grain. Hercules now understood. The birds something they wanted to show him. It was now late in the evening, but the light of the full moon illuminated the garden, giving everything a silvery glow. One of the boys took a stick and began to draw in the dirt. Hercules leaned down and saw an image slowly emerge. A pointed beak, then jagged wings. The boy had drawn a picture of one of the birds. Look, he said.

Starting point is 00:31:09 Using the stick, he gestured towards the bird's beak and wings and explained that the feathers were just like armor. No arrow or any other weapon could penetrate the metallic plumage. Besides, his brother added, there was simply too many of them. Even if Hercules somehow managed to bring down one bird. There was still the rest of the flock, a hundred birds or more. Hercules looked down at the image in the dirt, then at the faces of the three children. Well then, he said, what should I do? The boy who had drawn the picture looked thoughtful for a moment.

Starting point is 00:32:32 Then, he made a tentative suggestion. Hercules could use a net. If he waited till the birds were down on the ground pecking at the crops, he could sneak up on them and catch them in a big net. No, said the boy's brother, that would never work. Hercules should poison the birds instead, scattering hemlock among the crops. Then, the little girl who had stayed silent until now shook her head and spoke. There was no need to harm the birds, she said. Hercules could simply scare them away, perhaps by making a loud sound. He could try shouting, boo. The boys began to giggle. What a silly idea! But Hercules smiled and thanked the children for all the suggestions.

Starting point is 00:33:49 Even heroes sometimes needed help and inspiration from others. Later that night, Hercules settled down on the spare bed, listening to the family's quiet breathing. He found it soothing knowing that they were all asleep, and he was so tired after his busy day that it wasn't long before he too nodded off. Hercules slept in till late in the morning. There was no hurry as the birds wouldn't appear until sunset. He spent most of the day chatting with the family, telling them stories of his adventures. Then, in the afternoon, he rode out to the lake, towards the area where he had seen the birds the day before. As he got closer, he realized that there was a problem. The fields were inaccessible. He would have to wade deep into the marsh to reach them, so

Starting point is 00:35:29 there was no way he could get close enough to shoot at the birds, let alone poison the crops. Of course, he reasoned, there had to be another way to reach the fields, a route that didn't involve going through the marsh. But as he looked around, the only route he could think of involved retracing his steps, then going all the way around the lake in the other direction. It would take too long, he decided. So that left him with the third option, the little girl's suggestion, which was to scare the birds away with a loud noise. He was doubtful about this, too. Standing here,

Starting point is 00:36:48 Standing here, separated from the fields by the marsh, he was too far away. The birds would hear his shouts, but at such a distance, they wouldn't be frightened. Still, thought Hercules, it was worth a try. The sun was gradually beginning to lower in the sky, casting an amber glow over the fields and hills. The lake, too, was starting to transform, the glassy surface catching the light and glinting here and there. As he waited for the arrival of the birds, Hercules closed his eyes and uttered a prayer to the goddess Athena. She had helped him before, during the fight with the Hydra, and perhaps she would come

Starting point is 00:37:58 to his aid again. As the goddess of wisdom, she might give him an idea, a flash of inspiration. Just then, Hercules heard a soft thud as though an apple had fallen from a tree. Opening his eyes, he saw something lying on the ground, half hidden in the grass. He bent down to look, and discovered that it was a pig made of clay, a children's toy. How strange, thought Hercules, a clay pig appearing out of nowhere. It was a sweet little thing with its comically large ears and snout. The toy would make a good present for the children. he noticed that it made a sound, a rattling in the pig's belly. Curious, he shook it from side to side and was startled by a loud rattle, like the sound of a million cicadas.

Starting point is 00:39:51 – like the sound of a million cicadas. He could never have imagined that such a small, innocent-looking thing could make such a noise. It seemed that the goddess had answered his prayer in the most unexpected way. She had given him a rattle louder than thunder to scare away the birds. In his mind, Hercules thanked Athena for helping him once again. Then, he waited patiently, watching the changing colors of the sky, until he caught sight of the There they were, moving in unison, silhouetted against a golden backdrop. They flew steadily towards the fields. Soon, they were so close that Hercules could see their bronze beaks and feathers glinting in the last rays of the sun. When the birds were directly overhead, Hercules shook the rattle.

Starting point is 00:41:30 This time, he was prepared for the sound, but the birds were not. The flocks scattered in confusion. Then, they reformed and immediately began to fly in the opposite direction, away from the fields. That was all it took. A single shake of the rattle, and the birds were gone. were gone. Grinning from ear to ear, Hercules rode back alongside the lake. By nightfall, he had reached the house of Therys and Helen, and there, at the kitchen table, he shared the good news with the family. The people of Stemphalia no longer needed to worry about the bronze-beaked birds. birds. If the creatures ever returned, all they needed to do was shake the rattle. This is for you, said Hercules, handing the rattle to the children. He added that they should resist the temptation to shake it while inside the house. It was for outdoor use only.

Starting point is 00:43:16 Beaming, the little girl cradled the clay pick in her hands. Then she placed it carefully on the kitchen shelf between the pots of dried herbs. This was its new home, she said. it. Thanks to Hercules, everyone in the family was in good spirits that evening, chatting and joking, and making plans for the garden now that the bads had gone. Then, after a simple but satisfying meal of crusty bread with garlic cheese, they all settled down for the night. Once they were tucked up in their beds, warm and content, they soon fell fast asleep. In the morning, Hercules said goodbye to his new friends, promising to return one day. promising to return one day. As well as his affection for Theris, Helen, and their three children, he had grown to appreciate the beauty of Lake Stymphalia.

Starting point is 00:45:10 While it had once seemed too quiet and too still, Hercules now realized that there was nothing wrong with the place. It had only been his own worries about the birds, making him feel as though there was something strange about the atmosphere. Now, he could see the lake as it was, a beautiful, peaceful place. The tranquil atmosphere was a result of its unspoilt nature and secluded location. Nothing more. After a final slow ride by the lake, Hercules pulled on the reins encouraging encouraging Ianthe to canter, then gallop. It was time to go home. By now, he had come to think of the palace as home. He had his own bedroom, his own bedroom and everything felt so familiar. And he could always look forward to a warm welcome from his cousin, the King. So, said the King, clapping Hercules on the back, you've done it again.

Starting point is 00:46:44 clapping Hercules on the back. You've done it again. Hercules had completed his sixth labor. At last, he was halfway through. This was cause for celebration, said the king. That night, they enjoyed a hearty feast. The wine flowed freely, and a traveling bard entertained them with stories, tales of love and war, and the heroes of old. Then, just as Hercules was on his way to bed, ambling down the hall you," said the king, and into Hercules' outstretched hand, he poured out the pouch of marbles. These were the ones the king had taken from him all those years ago, when they were children. Now that Hercules had defeated the lion and the hydra, and chased away the birds. This was his reward.

Starting point is 00:48:33 To anyone else, it might have seemed underwhelming or even disappointing. But to Hercules, it was strangely touching. These marbles were a reminder of his childhood, the carefree days before he became a hero. And it meant something to him, knowing that the king had kept them all this time. Thank you, said Hercules, rolling the marbles between his hands. The glass felt cool against his skin, and there was something soothing about it, the feel of the marbles rolling over each other, making delicate clinking sounds. A little later, with the marbles tucked beneath his pillow, Hercules closed his eyes and prepared for sleep. He deserved a good long rest now that he was halfway there. For a moment, Hercules found himself wondering what adventures But then, at last, tiredness overcame him.

Starting point is 00:50:29 His breathing became slow and deep, and he allowed himself to let go, drifting into the most satisfying sleep. You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You You I'm going to go ahead and start the video. You you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Hercules and the Birds

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