The Apollonian 2

In Phaedo, Plato (Socrates) uses the ‘Myth of the Winged Soul' to describe the nature of the human being.

The soul is described as a winged chariot commanded by a charioteer and pulled by two horses.

The charioteer represents the rational part of the soul (logistikon). One horse represents emotions, the spirited, wild part and the other horse stands for the appetitive part (bodily desires).

Divine souls are peaceful and calm. The horses obey the commands of the charioteer. Undisturbed, the godly soul can contemplate the essence of things.

When it comes to humans, one of the horses is white (thymoeides). His gracious form mirrors well his noble character. He loves truth and needs no whip.

The other horse (appetitive) is black, untamed, arrogant, deaf and ill-shaped. He rarely obeys to the charioteer’s whips.

The human soul cannot easily contemplate the nature of things and perceive truth as his attention is constantly focused on controlling the horses who pull the chariot in all directions.

The Apollo Necklace
Designed by Henry Wilson, 1904

Apollo, Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini, 1718, Mauritshuis