HIPPOLYTA I was with Hercules and Cadmus once
When in a wood of Crete they bayed the bear
With hounds of Sparta. Never did I hear
Such gallant chiding; for besides the groves,
The skies, the fountains, every region near
Seemed all one mutual cry. I never heard
So musical a discord, such sweet thunder. (4.1.111-117)
This is SUCH a power move from Hippolyta: I was with Hercules and Cadmus once—yes, the actual demi-god, yes, that Hercules; I believe you’re related?—when in a wood of Crete they bayed the bear with hounds of Sparta. That was a proper hunt, that was. Yes, a BEAR. Not a deer, or a fox, or a hare. What exactly are we chasing after this morning? But it’s the hounds of Sparta that are the point, and Hippolyta here is showing considerable enthusiasm for them: never did I hear such gallant chiding—oh, the sound they made, so heroic, the very opposite of whining—for besides the groves, the skies, the fountains, every region near seemed one mutual cry. It was as if the whole landscape was howling, barking, giving voice. An echoing canine opera. I never heard so musical a discord, such sweet thunder. A cacophony, yes, but a blissful one… Opposites attract, perhaps, as oxymora do?
Perhaps Theseus and Hippolyta might have something in common after all? Might it be DOGS, BIG dogs?
1. Cadmus and Hercules are from different times. This is such a blatant error it must be deliberate. But why? A private joke . . . 🤔
2. Shakespeare lays on the association between music and hounds so thick it must be ironic. Please let it be ironic. There’s little to choose between their taste in music and Bottom’s (tongs and bones).
3. Having been at war with each other my Theseus and Hippolyta have mutually agreed a marriage of state.
I think it’s deliberate, yes, and no one really cares. It’s a bit of fun power play. I think that Theseus and Hippolyta are discovering a shared interest in dogs and this will be the foundation of their union, yes. THEY think that howling dogs sound lovely and that’s all that matters!