Where Is This Great Myth, Man? (Nicodice)

(NOTE: Trailblazing English is used in this monologue.)

Character:   Nicodice, an idealistic young wenn of mixed Trojan and Greek heritage who has become a practiced spear maiden in order to protect the remaining Trojan Wennen from the Greeks.

Setting:  Before the ruined palace of Ancient Troy

Background:  After killing a Greek soldier to save a Trojan, spear maiden NICODICE reveals that she takes no pride in victory.

NICODICE

Where is this great myth, Man, the poets sang of?
I saw only a mortal like myself. — a yielding corpse, at that!
They talk as if ichor fills their veins, as if boulders form their loins.
Not so! 
But I assure you, Agamemnon, it was as civilized a death
as any Greek could offer when bold bronze pierces tender flesh.

Excuse my lack of decorum. —
I did not bring back his helmet. 
I would not rob the dead…except of life. 
I scored no victory in murder.
Oh, I know that’s not what it’s called in war!
I am the ‘Avenger’ of Danisma¹!
the ‘Protector’ of Hafiye! —
I am a ‘Hero’!  
Don’t you see those accolades are meaningless!  
A humin being lies dead outside the walls of this city right now
because of me! —
Whatever he was…whatever he did…whatever he deserved! 
I thrust my spear to defend, not to destroy. —
Yet in defending, I destroyed.
So, Agamemnon, you can call me whatever you like! 

(NICODICE looks at her spear’s head, then holds up the bloody weapon.)

But I have brought back something!
See how it adorns the blade. — That ruby glow! 
It flowed forth when I coaxed the spear from his gut.
You recognize this, Commander — the “Rouge of War,”
such as men take pride to smear upon their cheek!

(NICODICE smears blood on her cheek.)

How pale next to this is a lady’s paint! 

(NICODICE looks to HECUBA.)

It’s alright. — The proper embellishment! 
The time of the sage has passed;
This is the season of the soldier!

(NICODICE throws the spear at AGAMEMNON’S feet
and walks up the palace steps. Reaching the top, she turns
back to AGAMEMNON.)

You were right, Agamemnon, in one thing only…
(with self-loathing)  I am a Greek.

© Justy Fairfield 2008, 2021

1. A dear friend of Queen Hecuba who took her own life earlier that day after being violated by the Greek soldier, Bulamachos, while retrieving water at the Scamander for her sick granddaughter.

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