Note 624 — Chapter VI · THE BATTLE FOR DELIVERANCE FROM THE MOTHER

The Greek myth of Ixion, who was bound to the “four-spoked wheel,” says this almost without disguise. Ixion first murdered his stepfather, but later was absolved from guilt by Zeus and blessed with his favor. But the ingrate attempted to seduce Hera, the mother. Zeus deceived him, however, allowing the goddess of the clouds, Nephele, to assume Hera’s form. (From this connection the centaurs have arisen.) Ixion boasted of his deed, but Zeus as a punishment plunged him into the underworld, where he was bound to a wheel continually whirled around by the wind. (Compare the punishment of Francesca da Rimini in Dante and the “penitents” by Segantini.)