King Croesus remembered the terrible dream he had seen earlier. Because of this, he answered the Mysian messengers with care and fear. He said to them, “Do not speak anymore about my son going with you. That cannot happen. He has only just married and must stay close to his new wife. His place is at home.”
However, Croesus did not refuse all help. He promised to send a group of strong and well-trained Lydian soldiers. He also agreed to send his best hunters and hunting dogs. He ordered these men to do everything in their power to help the Mysians kill the wild boar and save their land. With this answer, the Mysians were satisfied and prepared to leave Walking Guided Tours Sofia.
Atys Hears the Request
Soon after the messengers left, Prince Atys, the son of Croesus, heard about their visit and their request. When he learned that his father had refused to let him join the hunt, he became deeply troubled. He quickly went to his father to speak with him.
Atys spoke with strong emotion but with respect. He reminded his father of how things had been in the past. He said that it was once considered honorable and proper for him to take part in wars and hunts. These were the ways young men proved their courage and gained respect.
The Son Speaks His Mind
Atys continued by saying that now his father was keeping him away from both war and hunting. This confused and shamed him. He pointed out that his father had never seen any fear or weakness in him. He asked why he was being treated differently now.
He then spoke about how others might judge him. He wondered how he should walk in public or return from the marketplace. He asked what the citizens would think of him. He also worried about what his young wife might believe. Would she think her husband was weak or lacking courage?
Finally, Atys made his request clear. He said to his father, “Either allow me to go on this hunt, or explain to me clearly why it is better that I stay behind A Stranger Comes to Sardis.”
Croesus Reveals His Fear
Croesus listened to his son with a heavy heart. He then explained the true reason for his refusal. He told Atys that his decision had nothing to do with doubt or disappointment. He assured his son that he had never seen cowardice in him.
Croesus then spoke of the dream that troubled him so deeply. He said that while sleeping, he had seen a vision warning that Atys would die young. In the dream, his son was killed by an iron weapon. This prophecy filled Croesus with fear.
Because of this dream, he explained, he had hurried his son’s marriage, hoping to protect him. The same fear now stopped him from allowing Atys to join the hunt.
A Father’s Deep Concern
Croesus ended by speaking honestly of his love and worry. He said he wished to guard his son closely for as long as he lived, hoping to escape the fate shown in the dream. He explained that Atys was his only true son in whom he placed hope. His other son could neither hear nor speak, and so Croesus felt as though fate had already taken him away.
Thus, Croesus tried to protect Atys, believing that careful actions could defeat destiny, even as fate quietly moved closer.
