Comment on the phrase "rainy Hyades" from "Ulysses" -

This phrase is taken from one of the most famous representative poets of Victorian period, Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem, "Ulysses" (1842) which is inspired by Homer's two great epics, Iliad and Odyssey.

         Literally 'Hyades' means the rainers nymphs. It is a constellation of seven stars like 'Y' in the head of Taurus. The seven stars are Ambrosia, Coronis, Eudora, Pedile, Phyto, Polyxo and Thyene. Its appearance in the sky is generally accompanied with heavy rains. As the bringers of rain, they rise at the time of rainy season.

           Here in this poem the phrase, 'rainy Hyades'is used to refer the adventurous spirit of Ulysses, the hero of the poem. He does not like the domesticity, he always wants to town in different places to gain knowledge, experience and different new feelings. In the rainy season many problems and obstacles are created. But our old aged hero Ulysses is not afraid in this situation, he does not want to take rest from travel even in rainy season. The spirit of Ulysses is very clearly indicated.