King Candaules

"King Candaules" by Théophile Gautier is a historical novella that sets in ancient Lydia, unfolding before the Trojan War, revealing the tale of King Candaules and his relentless display of his wife, Queen Nyssia’s beauty. Themes of desire, jealousy, and the limits of privacy are deeply explored as Candaules weaves a plot that revolutionizes the dynamics of love and honor. As the story launches, the atmosphere surrounds Sardes in anticipation of a grand festival, where Candaules is preparing to marry Nyssia. Gyges, the king's protector, is introduced, and his existence intertwines with the royal family. Candaules, mesmerized by Nyssia's unmatched beauty, recounts her to Gyges, ultimately sharing his desire to reveal her in a private moment. As Gyges struggles with the ethics of witnessing Nyssia's intimate exposure, the narrative builds tension, hinting at the dispute and multifaceted relationship of admiration, possession, and betrayal that will follow.