- 1 day ago
The Revenge Anthem of Olympus
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Short filmTranscript
00:00I'm lying on a wool rug in the temple. The contractions are getting stronger.
00:04My husband, Zeus, holds my hand.
00:07Hold on, Leto. You'll see our baby very soon.
00:10I'm sweating from the pain, but I still force a smile for him.
00:15Zeus suddenly lets go of my hand. He takes a step back away from me.
00:19A maid walks in with a bowl of herbal tea. I think it's medicine for the pain.
00:23The liquid flows down my throat. Then I hear Zeus speak.
00:27Make sure the dosage is right. She can't give birth before Hira.
00:31He just looks into a bronze mirror.
00:34Haria's birth passage has opened six fingers. We just need two more hours.
00:38I want to scream and fight back, but the drug is already inside me.
00:42The sharp pain in my belly stops. It feels like a hand is squeezing it.
00:48They drag me to the temple basement. His sister, Demiter, is at the door.
00:54She is playing with a bronze knife.
00:55Sister-in-law, don't blame my brother.
00:58Hira is carrying our older kinsman's son. He is the first grandson of our realm.
01:03Even if you give birth early, it's a girl. A girl is useless to us.
01:08I clutch my stomach in pain. The contractions are fighting the drug.
01:14Everything is turning black.
01:16Call the midwife. I'm giving birth.
01:20Demiter just laughs at me.
01:22Give birth. Not yet.
01:24The drug lasts three more hours.
01:27Hira's already entered the birthing temple.
01:29Just stay here and wait quietly.
01:32Once her son arrives safely, then you can push all you want.
01:35Watch her.
01:36If she screams, gag her.
01:39The heavy door shuts tight.
01:41There is only one dim lamp inside.
01:44Blood has soaked through my dress.
01:47Zeus sent all my maids away on purpose earlier.
01:51He said he didn't want me distracted.
01:53Now I know he wanted me isolated.
01:56I curl up and try to breathe.
01:58I keep thinking about Zeus' eyes.
02:00They were cold and calculating.
02:02He looked at me like an object.
02:04Not a wife or a mother of his child.
02:07Three months ago, his brother died.
02:10He left behind a pregnant widow, Hira.
02:13At the funeral, his father cried.
02:15He held Hira's hand and spoke.
02:17A child must be born safely.
02:20Our divine bloodline must not be strethered.
02:22I felt so sorry for Hira then.
02:25Our child will honor you too.
02:27The old man didn't say a word.
02:29I realize now my child was abandoned then.
02:33Another wave of pain hits me.
02:35It is much stronger than before.
02:38The drug is wearing off.
02:40The baby is coming out now.
02:42I crawl and bang on the door.
02:45Help!
02:46I'm giving birth!
02:48Please save my baby!
02:51There is no sound outside.
02:53I scream until my voice is gone.
02:56Then, a guard speaks impatiently.
02:59Shut up!
03:00Demeter said to wait!
03:01But the baby!
03:03Please!
03:04If it dies, it's just fate.
03:06It's your fault for not having a son.
03:11I collapsed on the floor.
03:13Freezing.
03:14It's not fate.
03:15They want my baby to die.
03:17I don't know how long I lay there suffering.
03:19I'm bleeding more and more now.
03:22Everything under me is soaked.
03:24Suddenly, the door opens.
03:25It's not Demeter.
03:27It's my temple healer, Alanthos.
03:30Leto?
03:31Why are you here?
03:32Zeus said you were resting!
03:35I try to speak, but no sound comes out.
03:38Alanthos rushes over to check on me.
03:40He gasps when he touches my belly.
03:42Your water's already broken?
03:43You have to give birth now!
03:45He tries to pick me up, but then a wave of warmth gushes out.
03:49Blood?
03:50So much blood!
03:51His hands are shaking as he yells toward the door.
03:54Help!
03:56Someone help!
03:57She's having a massive hemorrhage!
03:59Outside the cellar door?
04:01It's empty.
04:02I'll carry you up.
04:03Stay with me.
04:04He picks me up and runs out.
04:06The path from the cellar feels like it goes on forever.
04:09Every step is pure agony.
04:11I feel the baby dropping down.
04:13But the baby just won't come out.
04:15The drug is still working.
04:17The contractions come and go.
04:19This is the most dangerous moment.
04:23Alanthos!
04:24Save the baby, please!
04:25Don't talk like that!
04:26You'll pull through!
04:27He finally carries me all the way to the temple.
04:30But we both freeze at the door.
04:32The temple doors are wide open.
04:34The whole place is totally empty.
04:36The servants are all gone.
04:38The midwives are gone too.
04:39The temple is just a hollow shell.
04:42Alanthos freezes on the spot.
04:45How can this be happening?
04:47The midwives were here this afternoon.
04:50Footsteps come from the hallway.
04:52Demeter walks over with two maids.
04:54She sees us and raises an eyebrow.
04:57Alanthos?
04:58What are you doing here?
05:01Leto?
05:01Why did you come up?
05:03Alanthos gazed at the empty temple.
05:05Where are the midwives?
05:08They all went to Hira's side.
05:10Hira is carrying the grandson.
05:13All midwives must attend her.
05:16Who would dare risk a mistake?
05:19Is it time for you, sister-in-law?
05:22You'll have to wait a while.
05:25Hira hasn't finished yet.
05:27Just hold it a bit longer.
05:29I look at her beautiful powdered face.
05:31I remember a trip six months ago.
05:34You're dearer than a real sister.
05:36Thinking about it now, what a joke.
05:41Alanthos frantically searches through everything.
05:44But the cabinets are completely empty.
05:46Where are the herbs to stop the bleeding?
05:48Where's the pain dramp?
05:50Hira gets all resources first.
05:52Zeus ordered it.
05:54Alanthos punches the cabinet in anger.
05:57I'm so sorry, Leto.
06:00There's nothing I can do.
06:02Demeter walks over and pats his shoulder.
06:04Alanthos, don't rush.
06:07She hasn't given birth yet, right?
06:09The midwives will come once Hira is done.
06:12She glances at my stomach and adds,
06:14Even if she does give birth now,
06:16it's just a useless little girl.
06:18If she dies, she dies.
06:21The realm doesn't need another girl.
06:23I stare at her with pure hatred.
06:26I loved her like a sister for three years.
06:29I use every bit of my strength.
06:32Monsters.
06:33Demeter's face suddenly turns cold.
06:35She leans down to my ear.
06:37She whispers very low.
06:39Go ahead.
06:40Curse me all you want.
06:41After you give birth, you'll be weak.
06:43I'll have plenty of ways to shut you up.
06:46Hira will ascend as queen of the realm.
06:48And as for you, for my brother's sake,
06:52I'll let you live.
06:53You can stay here as a serving maid.
06:56Alanthos can't listen anymore.
06:57Demeter!
06:59This is murder!
07:02Murder?
07:03Alanthos, watch your tongue.
07:05Women die in childbirth all the time.
07:07Isn't that perfectly common?
07:09This is a family matter of the divine house.
07:12You're an outsider, so stay out of it.
07:15Escort Alanthos away to rest.
07:18I'll personally look after my sister-in-law.
07:20They grab Alanthos and drag him out.
07:22Leto, deep breaths!
07:23Don't give up!
07:24The baby can still be saved!
07:26She turns to look at me.
07:27She pulls out the viewing mirror shared with Zeus.
07:30Brother, sister-in-law is giving birth.
07:33Do you want to see her?
07:34Demeter, stop making a scene.
07:36Hera's in a bad shape right now.
07:38The child's life candle is flickering.
07:41Look, she's losing so much blood.
07:43Do you think she's gonna die?
07:45Tell her to wait a while.
07:46The midwives will come down once Hyera delivers.
07:49Leto, look after her for now.
07:51I can't leave right now.
07:53You hear that?
07:54Hyera is first in my brother's heart.
07:57You're nothing but a vessel for breeding.
07:59When the vessel has served its purpose, we discard it.
08:01Fear and despair have already swallowed me whole.
08:04I had completely forgotten about this signal disc.
08:07My father gave it to me.
08:08The gods are treacherous, Leto.
08:10If anything happens, press this.
08:13Father, Zeus is so good to me.
08:16Everyone here treats me well.
08:20I press it down gently.
08:22Father said someone will come.
08:23They'll be here within half an hour.
08:25But half an hour is so long.
08:27Can my baby wait that long?
08:29My mind is getting blurrier.
08:32Demeter watches me like I'm a beast in a pen.
08:34Sister, what did you marry into this for?
08:37For my brother's handsome face?
08:39Or the queen's throne?
08:40You're just a mortal woman.
08:42How could you ever hope to stay?
08:44I don't say a word.
08:45I just keep breathing deeply.
08:47Even if hope is very slim, I hope my baby can hold on.
08:51You only wed him because of the child.
08:53He only married you hoping for a son.
08:55But the seeing's pool showed a girl.
08:57My brother's face went black as night.
09:00Luckily, Hyera is carrying a boy.
09:02She flicked my leg disdainfully.
09:05You ought to know your place.
09:07Don't for what isn't yours.
09:08After Hyera delivers, you'll be cast aside.
09:10Go back to the mortal world.
09:12Does Zeus know you talk to me like this?
09:15Of course he knows.
09:16He sent me to talk to you.
09:18He said you're too stubborn.
09:20He wanted me to guide you properly.
09:22The sharp pain hits my belly.
09:24It's stronger than ever before.
09:27The drug has totally ruined me.
09:29The baby is coming.
09:31What a nuisance.
09:33Someone come check her.
09:35Is she delivering or not?
09:38Her birth gate is fully open.
09:40There's far too much blood.
09:42We have to deliver the baby now.
09:44Then just do it.
09:46There's no midwife.
09:47No medicine.
09:48No tools.
09:49I'm helpless here.
09:50But the mother and the baby, they're in real danger now.
09:54Let them be in danger.
09:55They're going to die anyway.
09:57Why should anyone care?
09:58Demeter turns and walks away.
10:00She doesn't care if I live or die.
10:03The maid is too paralyzed to speak.
10:05I've lost too much blood.
10:07The baby is stuck right there.
10:10Time is slipping away.
10:11Suddenly, fast footsteps approach.
10:14Suddenly, the door is savagely kicked open.
10:19Who are you?
10:20How did you get in?
10:22The leader takes off his helmet.
10:24My lady.
10:26My lady.
10:29I try to speak, but no sound comes.
10:32I just reach out my hand to him.
10:34How dare you lay hands on me?
10:37This is the house of Zeus.
10:39The house of Zeus?
10:42Soon, there will be no house of Zeus.
10:45Begin emergency treatment.
10:47Yes, sir.
10:51I'm carried into a modified chariot.
10:54It has everything, like a mobile healing temper.
10:57The healers and witches are working frantically around me.
11:02Fetal distress.
11:04Use the forbidden spell.
11:06But the mother is too weak for it.
11:08Do it!
11:08I will take all the responsibility.
11:11I grab his hand with my last strength.
11:13Save the baby.
11:16Save my baby first.
11:18My lady, don't speak.
11:19Save your strength.
11:21The general is already on his way.
11:24You and the child will both be alright.
11:26I swear.
11:29Use the spell now!
11:35The baby's life candle is fading too.
11:38Begin the rescue.
11:39Do it now!
11:43A circle of light covers my body.
11:45Healing incantations surround me on all sides.
11:49Before I pass out, I hear a cry.
11:53No, it's too late!
11:54The baby has no pulse!
11:56Darkness.
11:58Endless darkness.
11:59I don't know how long it's been.
12:01My lady's awake!
12:02Familiar faces lean over me.
12:04They're my father's personal guards.
12:06Where's the baby?
12:09The room goes silent immediately.
12:11Then my father slowly walks over.
12:14My father looks so much older now.
12:16His hair has turned white overnight.
12:19Later.
12:20I look at his red eyes.
12:21I already know the answer.
12:23The baby's gone, isn't it?
12:25The placenta, it tore.
12:28The baby went without air too long.
12:32They all did their best.
12:34I don't cry or scream.
12:35My heart just feels empty.
12:38That little life inside me for nine months.
12:41The baby who kicked me every day.
12:44Gone.
12:45Where's Zeus?
12:46Father wipes away his tears.
12:48He's with Hira.
12:49She gave birth to a son.
12:51The whole realm is celebrating.
12:53No one even remembers you.
12:56Good!
12:57That's real good!
12:58Leto, come home with me.
12:59The divine realm doesn't deserve you.
13:02That man doesn't deserve you.
13:03Father, I want to do something.
13:06Tell me.
13:07Prepare a false corpse for me.
13:09It has to look exactly like me.
13:11The appearance of death from massive blood loss.
13:14You want to?
13:15I want them to think I'm dead.
13:17I want to watch them celebrate with my own eyes.
13:20While I'm dead to them.
13:21While they welcome their new life.
13:24Father is silent for a long time.
13:27Very well, I'll help you.
13:28Father summons a witch who works a transformation spell.
13:31The decoy body, made from sheepskin and sheep's blood, is kept warm by hidden warming stones beneath it.
13:40Its living heat feels just like real flesh.
13:43They lay it in the garden courtyard.
13:45I stare into the scrying crystal.
13:47Watching the scene inside, Father sits beside me.
13:50He holds my hand tight.
13:53Do you regret it?
13:54Regret what?
13:56Marrying that man.
13:57No.
13:58I see their true hearts now.
14:00In the crystal, Zeus walks out of the temple.
14:03He holds the swaddled baby, his face beaming with unstoppable joy.
14:08Hyra is on a moving bed.
14:10She's pale but smiling.
14:12The old man walks over, leaning on his staff.
14:15He cries when he sees the baby.
14:17A grandson.
14:19At last.
14:21Our bloodline is secure now.
14:24Everyone gathers around them.
14:25They're all laughing.
14:26No one asks about me.
14:28No one remembers the other mother.
14:30The one still struggling on the edge of life and death.
14:34A maid finally speaks up.
14:36My lord, what of your wife?
14:38How is she doing?
14:40No word yet.
14:41I had Alancas keep watch over her.
14:43I'll go check.
14:45He hands the baby to a maid.
14:47Demeter follows right behind him.
14:49Brother, I'll go with you.
14:51Alanthos stands by the door.
14:52His face is deathly pale.
14:54Where is my wife?
14:56Alanthos replied in silence, then gestured toward the flower beds.
15:00What does that mean?
15:01By the time I get back, the lady is already...
15:04Too much blood lost.
15:07Leto is...
15:09Zeus stands there in shock.
15:12Demeter reacts first.
15:13Impossible.
15:14She was so healthy.
15:16Alanthos gives Demeter a loaded glance.
15:19He lets out a sigh, his voice breaking.
15:22No midwife.
15:23No medicine.
15:25No tools.
15:28What did you say?
15:29My wife is dead!
15:31Alanthos nods.
15:32Tears falling.
15:33He slumped against the pillar.
15:35Impossible.
15:36Demeter pulls on his arm.
15:38Don't fret, brother.
15:39I'll go check.
15:40She runs toward the flower bed.
15:44She sees the decoy body among the flowers.
15:48Demeter stares for a few seconds.
15:52Brother, it's true.
15:54Zeus rushes into the garden.
15:56He stands in front of the flowers, completely still.
16:00After a long while...
16:01Brother...
16:02Zeus slammed both fists against the ground.
16:09Why didn't you tell me sooner?
16:12Why didn't she wait for me?
16:15I couldn't reach you at all.
16:17Then why didn't you come up and find me?
16:19The distance is only a hundred paces.
16:22You just stood by and watched her die!
16:25Alanthos, stop speaking.
16:27Brother, don't blame Alanthos.
16:30I was the one who stopped him.
16:31Hera's situation was so perilous.
16:33I feared any distraction.
16:36Brother, you struck me?
16:38You locked her in the cellar?
16:41I only told her to wait.
16:43Wait for what?
16:44That was your sister-in-law.
16:46Those were two lives.
16:48I told you to look after her properly.
16:50Is this how you looked after her?
16:52I did it for the realm.
16:55Haria bore a son.
16:56She bore a daughter.
16:57You know full well which one matters more.
16:59Grandfather declared the boy is the heir.
17:02Yeah.
17:03So her life meant nothing.
17:05No one answers him.
17:07Only the wind whispers through the courtyard.
17:09My body is brought back to a chamber in the side wing.
17:14Hira and her baby stay in the main suite.
17:17Maids and guards surround them.
17:18Keep the funeral rules simple.
17:20Don't let it bring ill fortune upon the child.
17:24Find a priest to bless her another day.
17:26She was the wife of this house after all.
17:30Choose a decent grave for her.
17:32Zeus doesn't say a word.
17:34He just sits by Leto's body.
17:36Three days and nights pass.
17:38He doesn't eat or drink.
17:40Demeter tries to speak with him.
17:41He drives her out of the room.
17:43Hira comes once with the baby.
17:45Zeus, please temper your grief.
17:49She wouldn't wish to see you like this.
17:52He stares for a long time.
17:54Do you know what she was thinking before she died?
17:57I was in labor.
17:58How could I know?
18:00She was thinking why wasn't her husband there?
18:03Why everyone was waiting for your baby.
18:05But no one cared whether she lived or died.
18:09Hira's face goes very white.
18:11Zeus, what do you mean by that?
18:14My own labor was life or death too!
18:17Yes, you suffered too.
18:19But she is dead.
18:21Two lives are gone.
18:23Did she deserve to die just because it wasn't a boy?
18:26Hira stops talking.
18:28She holds the baby tighter.
18:30Zeus stands up slowly.
18:31He walks to the coffin.
18:33Lately, I keep thinking if I had stayed by her side.
18:37Would things have turned out differently?
18:39Would she still be alive now?
18:44If only...
18:45Hira bites her lip hard.
18:47Zeus, don't you forget this.
18:49I'm the one who bore the sun.
18:51That dead woman is of no use any longer.
18:55Zeus slides down against the coffin.
18:57He sits on the floor.
18:59He covers his face with his hands.
19:00I see his shoulders shaking.
19:03It's so ridiculous.
19:04He didn't care while I lived.
19:06Now he weeps for the dead.
19:08I press the viewing mirror and contact my father.
19:10Ready?
19:11Whenever you wish.
19:13Things start crumbling for Zeus.
19:15First, the city-states stop sending tribute.
19:18Your offerings have defiled the secret pact.
19:21Zeus sends envoys to invest in it.
19:23But the city-states refuse to parley.
19:26Then the temple banks start calling in their loans.
19:28The blood oaths of renewed alliance had all been set.
19:31But suddenly the high priests declare bad omens.
19:34The signs are ill.
19:36The alliance cannot be renewed.
19:39The flow of gold dries up fast.
19:41Then the allied kingdoms turn their backs.
19:43Great Pax dissolve without warning.
19:45They sign new treaties with his rivals instead.
19:47In just one single year, Zeus' realm loses a third of its territory in tribute.
19:53Zeus' father collapses and is taken to the healing shrine.
19:56He's completely worn out.
19:58Hira complains while holding the baby.
20:01You're always gone now.
20:03Father is ill.
20:04The temple treasury is in crisis.
20:05How can I not care?
20:06If the treasury fails, let it fail.
20:09We have enough wealth for many lifetimes.
20:11Do you know how this realm was built?
20:14It took three generations of blood and toil.
20:17My grandfather, my father, and my brother.
20:20It didn't just fall from the sky.
20:21You still can't neglect us.
20:23The baby isn't even a full moon old.
20:25And you're never home.
20:26Zeus slams the door and leaves.
20:28He goes to the chamber in the side wing.
20:30The coffin is still there.
20:33Leto, what would you tell me?
20:35You'd say, don't worry.
20:37You'd say, take it slowly.
20:40You were always so calm and so wise.
20:44But I have no one to talk to now.
20:47Father just scolds me all day.
20:50Hera only wants gold.
20:52Demida only cares about herself.
20:55Only you never ask for anything.
20:59You always wanted to help me.
21:02I'm so sorry.
21:04I'm truly sorry.
21:06I didn't know it would come to this.
21:10If I could do it all over, I would-
21:12A god rushes in.
21:13Zeus!
21:14Calamity has struck.
21:16The underworld has seized our tribute convoy.
21:18The amount is enormous.
21:20They may bring formal charges before the divine tribunal.
21:23Forbidden relics?
21:24That's impossible!
21:25Our house deals an honorable tribute.
21:28It's true.
21:29Apollo has arrived at the temple treasury.
21:31He says he wants to question you himself.
21:33He races toward the treasury hall.
21:36On the road, his viewing mirror suddenly lights up.
21:39There is only a voice.
21:41No image.
21:42Zeus.
21:43Did you receive my gift?
21:45Who are you?
21:46You don't need to know my name.
21:48Just know this is only the beginning.
21:52You will pay with your entire realm.
21:55Every debt you owe must be repaid.
21:58Zeus tries to wake it again.
22:00But there is only dead silence.
22:03The divine tribunal's inquiry lasts a full fortnight.
22:07The case is closed for lack of evidence.
22:09But all the tribute goods are confiscated.
22:11His house's reputation is utterly ruined.
22:15All allies choose to dissolve their bloodhounds.
22:19Zeus' father suffers a second collapse.
22:21At the end, he grabs Zeus' hand.
22:25Save the realm.
22:28The boy is the heir!
22:31He breathes his last right after speaking.
22:34The funeral rites are very simple.
22:37Very few guests actually show up.
22:39Most are just there to mock them.
22:42Hyra stands there weeping loudly.
22:45She holds the baby at the temple.
22:47Is she mourning her father-in-law?
22:49Or mourning her lost shelter?
23:00Zeus shows no emotion at all.
23:02After the rites, the guests disperse.
23:05You should move out.
23:06What did you say?
23:07Take the child and go.
23:09I'll give you a chest of gold talents.
23:11It's enough to sustain you for life.
23:13Zeus!
23:13What is the meaning of this?
23:15I'm your elder sister-in-law.
23:17This child is your brother's only son.
23:19Your father declared him the heir.
23:21The heir?
23:22He asks.
23:23There's almost no realm left.
23:24What is he going to inherit?
23:26My mountain of sacred debts?
23:28Are you abandoning us?
23:30I'm giving you gold talents.
23:31That is looking after you.
23:32But I'm keeping the ancestral house.
23:34It holds my memories of Leto.
23:36I won't give it to anyone.
23:37Memories?
23:38She mocks him.
23:40Stop lying to yourself, Zeus.
23:42You never loved that woman.
23:43You only feel guilty now because she died such a gruesome death.
23:47That's why your conscience aches.
23:49If she was still alive, you would have cast her aside long ago and taken me as your wife.
23:54Hold your tongue.
23:55I will speak.
23:57You married her for her family's power.
23:59She was clean and easy to control.
24:01You said you would put her aside right after she gave birth.
24:05Now she's dead.
24:06It's even easier.
24:07You should be thanking me for this.
24:10My son's destiny overpowered her.
24:13Another loud slap.
24:15It's heavier than the one he gave Demeter.
24:18Zeus looks down at her coldly.
24:20Get out.
24:22Right now, leave.
24:25If I ever set eyes on you again, you won't get a single coin.
24:33You will regret this.
24:35Hyra leaves with her son.
24:37She takes a chest of gold talents.
24:40Zeus stands in the empty courtyard.
24:42He looks at his father's funerary portrait.
24:46Mother, I can't hold on any longer.
24:50The realm is going to be destroyed in my hands.
24:53There's no answer at all.
24:55Only the wind rushes through the hanging white cloth, making a loud rustling sound.
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