Messenger of the Gods

Thu Jan 04, 2024 10:40 pm

Legend describes the Iris was formed from the tears of Maria, resting in a desolate desert when fleeing from Egypt. The sharp edges of the leaves are a remembrance of her distress and love for the almighty.

In ancient Greek, Iris’ name became the word for “rainbow”.

The Latin species name Speudácorus, translates to false or untrue acorus, as the plant lies about its identity disguising itself as the Ácorus Calámus, but it’s roots and leaves are poisonous.

English has borrowed the Greek word to use as the name of both a colorful flower and the colored part of eyes, both of course in connection with the colors of the rainbow.

Michael Strange wrote:In her starched lawn fete dress
Iris, pallid blue, gold veined,
And as if coloured from dawn chills,
Or from the yellow-fingered touching
Of curious starlight

Wind-footed Iris, who as the personification of the rainbow represented a connection between Heaven and Earth.

The goddess Iris, the speedy and chief divine messenger of the gods and goddesses, travels the rainbow to deliver the will and wishes of the gods.

Iris’ role as messenger took her to every corner of the cosmos, and she was known even to dive into the depths of the sea to deliver her messages.

As well as carrying the souls of deceased women and girls.

The only known cult of Iris was on “Hecate’s Island” near Delos, where worshipers made offerings of cheesecakes to her.

Iris Pseudácorus Mallard is named after the Iris pseudácorus flower, which shares its name and colour; Iris.
Younger half-sister to Violet Odorata Mallard, who is named after a colour sharing flower Viola odorata.

Edith Buckner Edwards (AIS bulletin January 1961) wrote:
Iris, most beautiful flower,
Symbol of life, love, and light;
Found by the brook, and the meadow,
Or lofty, on arable height.
You come in such glorious colors,
In hues, the rainbow surpass;
The chart of color portrays you,
In petal, or veins, of your class.
You bloom with the first in Winter,
With the last, in the Fall, you still show;
You steal the full beauty of Springtime,
With your fragrance and sharp color glow.
Your form and beauty of flower,
An artist's desire of full worth;
So Iris, we love you and crown you,
MOST BEAUTIFUL FLOWER ON EARTH!

Just like the flower lies about it’s identify, Iris Mallard likes to lie about hers and her relationship with her sister, as part of a lifelong feud.
To disguise her lies, Iris never speaks, and relies on misunderstandings to perpetuate her false intentions.

Just like the poisonous roots and leaves of the plant, Iris loves to play tricks on people. Taking on the role of a street artist, just to make it socially acceptable.

Never take reality for granted when dealing with Iris…