Context: A story from Greek mythology of events centering about Meleager, son of Althaea, queen of Calydon, this poem tells of the fulfillment of a destiny. The Fates prophesy to her that Meleager will die when the brand burning in the fire at the time of his birth is consumed; Althaea removes the brand and carefully preserves it. Her son grows to be a warrior of renown, accompanying Jason on his quest for the Golden Fleece, but untimely death awaits him. He will be entangled in a situation in which he kills his mother's brothers, Toxeus and Plexippus, arousing her wrath and causing her to burn the brand, whereupon Meleager dies. As the poem opens, the season is the beginning of spring, and the Chorus sings of the lyric mood being brought upon the land.