The Alcyone Legend
Once upon a time there was a princess of the winds, named Alcyone. And she was married to the prince of light, Ceyx. They were a passionate couple and their famed love was known throughout the lands. One day, after war broke out in the land, Ceyx felt the need to seek the Oracle's help in restoring peace. So he set sail on a long voyage to the island of the Oracle. Alcyone waited everyday on the shores for his return. What she did not know was there was a terrible storm and the boat and crew were lost at sea. The Oracle saw this with her third eye and sent Alcyone a vision to let her know of the shipwreck.
Alcyone refused to believe Ceyx was dead and was determined to swim the sea to find him. Just as she was about to dive into the water, she turned into a beautiful bird, the mythical kingfisher Halcyon. She flew over the sea, calming the winds and waves in search of Ceyx. She found him adrift on some wreckage and when she landed, he too became a kingfisher. And together they flew over the sea for the rest of eternity.
The kingfisher became known as the symbol of the winter solstice. She brings the Halcyon Days, fourteen days of calm seas which allow for easy sailing. The bird was only seen during the summer and winter solstices and became associated with goddess of life and death. She appeared at the setting of the Pleiades and is known as the bird called by kings for a peaceful death.