Sisyphus/Quotes

Zagreus: "Hey sir, I've always wondered, what were you like back when you were alive? Were you always this wise?"

Sisyphus: "Might surprise you, Highness, I've a bit of royalty in me, myself. Not on your level, mind, but I was very much a king. Though I'll be honest, I ... I wasn't much of a good man."

Zagreus: "Huh! I thought I sensed the royalty in you! Although, I can't imagine you as anything beside the gentleman I know you for, my friend."

Sisyphus: "Well that is awful kind of you to say. Though, I would like to think my punishment here wasn't without warrant. At least I've had a lot of time to think it through!"

Zagreus: "Erm, Sisyphus, you mind my asking what you did to warrant this particular arrangement you've got here? Pushing a boulder till the end of time and all. Never heard it in your own words."

Sisyphus: "Well, it's a bit of a long story, Prince. My time had come, though I just wasn't ready, you might say. Your father thought he had me in his clutches, but then, shoom! I gave him the slip. Your father's henchman, Thanatos, he'll back me up on that."

Zagreus: "Outsmarted Thanatos, that's amazing ... what happened then?"

Sisyphus: "Turns out your father doesn't like us mortals cheating death. Eventually they found me, so, now I'm stuck here with my boulder friend. I push old Bouldy up the hill to the beat of the Furies' whips, then he tumbles down, and then we go again."

Zagreus: "So then, you're stuck forever, no reprieve. That's terrible ... wish there was something I could do to help."

Sisyphus: "You save those sympathies for someone else, Your Highness! I could be Prometheus, spending eternity having my liver gobbled up, but instead I get to stay in shape, and have these chats with you. Now I'd better get back to it!"

Zagreus: "I have to tell you, Sisyphus. Sometimes I wish I knew more about your past. You must have been a great king."

Sisyphus: "Well, ah-hah, the thing is that I wasn't, Highness. And that's not modesty from me, all right? All behind me, now. And I'd appreciate it if we left it at that."

Zagreus: "I hear you, sir. Though, whatever you did in your mortal days ... you've since more than paid for it, I'm sure ... Wait, is that why you're still here, in Tartarus? Because you think you deserve this?"

Sisyphus: "It's more like ... this is where I belong. Where my past has taken me, you know? Here in the Underworld, you can't entirely escape your past ... and yet, it's like you get another life to live. With all the wisdom that you picked up along the way."

Zagreus: "I have good news, sir! I located the contract binding you, and brought it out. It's null and void. You're free to go!"

Sisyphus: "Oh! Indeed, then, does this mean, Prince, then ... the Fury Sisters, they won't come around as often anymore?"

Zagreus: "Not just that, Sisyphus! You can make your way someplace else, where other decent shades reside! You know, somewhere with fewer chains and torture devices and such?"

Sisyphus: "You're much too kind to this old soul, Prince Z. The thing is, this is home. For me and Bouldy, it is what it is. Though, knowing that the Furies won't be visiting with quite their former regularity, that is a load off. Heavier than Bouldy, there."

Zagreus: "You mean you're really going to stay? Even though you don't have to?"

Sisyphus: "Is that so odd, Highness? Don't see myself lugging old Bouldy out of here, besides! And if I were to leave, why, we would not be having these exchanges now and then. I happen to enjoy them quite a bit! Now, here you go, and thank you, very much."

Sisyphus: "Ah, there you are, Prince! I was just thinking about how grateful I am that you got me out of that contract with your father. It's been a real weight off my shoulders, truth be told."

Zagreus: "You never seemed particularly concerned even before, sir. Must say you're very good at hiding your worries."

Sisyphus: "And I could say the same to you! Look, I know you were concerned for my wellbeing. Now you don't have to be. And I'll still be around to help you out. Good feeling, isn't it?"

Sisyphus: "Prince Z, it seems you've brought my little Shady back to visit me! How very kind. And I can tell he's in good care of late."

Zagreus: "He is, sir, and I'm grateful once again to have adopted him. You sure you don't want him back, though? Always seems like you could use a friend."

Sisyphus: "All due respect, Highness, but I've the best friend anyone can ask for to my right just there. And as for little Shady, he was more inclined than I to see farthest reaches of the Underworld. Safe travels to you both!"

Zagreus: "Sisyphus, sir? Have you any idea how Shady works? I'm able to just whisk both you and Bouldy out of here, and to my aid? It must be awfully disorienting."

Sisyphus: "Well, Prince, I told you that we'd be with you in spirit, didn't I? It's not just Shady's power, I suppose, nor is it Bouldy's or my hidden strength. It's testament to our companionship, is all. You gods are capable of anything!"

Sisyphus: "Look here, Bouldy, Prince Z himself has come to visit us!"

Zagreus: "Does Bouldy really keep you company? Personally I would resent a giant boulder that keeps tumbling back down a hill after I push it all the way up there."

Sisyphus: "Oh, Bouldy's not so bad, I mean, he's a good listener, a good shoulder to lean on, doesn't wield a whip ... I rightly can't complain! Good having company down here."

Zagreus: "You know I was just thinking, sir ... sometimes I am a little envious of you and Bouldy there. You seem to have things pretty figured out. I still grow frustrated with myself quite often and don't always know whom to turn to."

Sisyphus: "Oh, hah! Well, I just think you're in a tough spot lately, Prince. But you'll get through! As for old Bouldy, why, by all means do not hesitate to lay your troubles on him if you like! Dumped all of mine on him a while back."

Zagreus: "So I can just ... walk up and talk to him, and chat? That's all it takes?"

Sisyphus: "That's truly all it takes to make a friend sometimes, indeed, Highness. Now, here."

Zagreus: "I have to thank you, Sisyphus, not just for all the help you've given me time after time, but for encouraging me to have a chat with Bouldy there. I daresay I feel a little more at peaceof late, and maybe it's thanks to him."

Sisyphus: "He's a good one, all right, isn't he? Though if you've come to such an understanding with old Bouldy there, why, it must mean you've done some growing on your own as well, I think."

Zagreus: "Sisyphus, I've meant to ask, where are you getting all this stuff you give to me? You must be pretty well connected around here."

Sisyphus: "Oh, well, you know! I have acquaintances amongst the locals here, try to be neighborly with everyone is all. It's not just Bouldy and myself as you can see. Sometimes I come across things that'd be better off in other hands than mine."

Sisyphus: "Hey Prince, ah, so ... you do know Bouldy's just a plain old rock with a few lines chiseled into him, resembling a face, don't you? Chiseled into it, I mean. Just so you don't get the wrong idea ..."

Zagreus: "Come now, sir, we both know fully well Bouldy's much more than that. You really think I doubt the power of Bouldy after everything we've been through?"

Sisyphus: "Hahahaha, no. Was just a jest, there, at Bouldy's expense. Look at him! He gets so annoyed when I call him a plain old rock like that. But then he calls me an old lazy lump, and then we're even for a while."

Sisyphus: "Hey Prince, I heard you showed that Fury Sister the what-for, is that the truth? Might explain why I've been left here to my own devices for a change."

Zagreus: "I don't think she'll be out of commission for very long. She'd best find you minding that boulder, though at least you managed to catch a break for now. Be seeing you, Sisyphus."

Sisyphus: "Now you be careful out there, Highness. The kindly Megaera is out for blood. She kept on groaning 'bout the last exchange between the two of you. You must have showed her good!"

Zagreus: "I think I might have gotten lucky."

Sisyphus: "How goes it with old Master Thanatos of late, Prince Z? Is he at least less stern with you than with the poor mortals he's sent to take in here?"

Zagreus: "Oh, Thanatos is doing all right. Much like my father, I think he feels he has some sort of fearsome reputation to uphold. Or maybe he's perpetually stressed over his work. But he's been well lately."

Sisyphus: "That's good, I guess! Always appreciated that he ultimately took me in, rather than having to show up here through much more sudden, much more painful means. Didn't stop me from trying to avoid the trip, of course."

Sisyphus: "Prince Z! Just missed your stern-faced colleague, feel that stillness hanging in the air? Sounds like he won't be checking up on me again anytime soon."

Zagreus: "Thanatos really isn't such a bad sort once you get to know him, sir. Though, I suppose you'll have to take my word for that."

Sisyphus: "Oh, I believe it, Highness. I should think that bringing death must be a lonely job. Perhaps he ought to try pushing a boulder sometime!"

Zagreus: "Hey, sir, thought this might ease your burden for a while."

Sisyphus: "Now hold a moment, Highness, I cannot accept something like this ... not without giving back a little something in return, that is!"

Sisyphus gives Zagreus the Shattered Shackle.

Zagreus: "Thanks for that, sir."

Sisyphus: "Oh, my, you're really giving that to me, there, Prince? But, I'm just, why would you ...?"

Zagreus: "You better believe it, sir. Now you take care, be seeing you around."

Sisyphus: "Why, Prince, you being serious right now, is that for me?"

Zagreus: "You deserve better, Sisyphus! This really isn't much, but maybe it'll help you while away the days. Nights. Whatever time it is."

Sisyphus: "Wow, Your Highness, you ... you really shouldn't have. Thank you for not forgetting about me."

Zagreus: "You're always a sight for sore eyes out here, Sisyphus. Thank you for always believing in me."

Sisyphus: "I'm really very flattered, Highness! You didn't have to get me anything, I mean, your company's more than enough for me!"

Zagreus: "I figured you could do with something more than that this time around, good sir."

Sisyphus: "Oh, but this is just too much for me, Your Highness, thank you, really. I don't know how I can ever repay you."

Zagreus: "How about you keep on helping me not die as quickly as I might have otherwise, deal?"

Zagreus: "Sisyphus, sir? You've helped me selflessly time after time without so much as asking anything in return. Wanted to say I'm very grateful, and thought you might like to try this. Here, for a special occasion!"

Sisyphus: "Why, Prince, is this ...? It is ...! I've not so much as seen a bottle of it, much less sampled it, thank you so much! Although, with all respect, I cannot rightfully accept such a fine gift. Unless ..."

Zagreus: "Unless ...? Oh no, you're not making me take something in return, you know this was a gift not an exchange, sir, right? Wait, what is that?"

Sisyphus: "This, Highness, is a little friend of mine kept tucked away in Bouldy's care. Wherever you'll be going next, he'll make a worthy traveling companion. And when he's with you, Bouldy and I ... we'll be with you in spirit, too."

Sisyphus gives Zagreus Companion Shady.

Zagreus: "Sir, this is a mint-condition Shady you just gave to me?! I'm so grateful. I will keep him safe!"

Sisyphus: "Prince, that vintage Ambrosia bottle that you gave me, my! That was the greatest thing I ever tried, I think! Even Bouldy enjoyed the stuff!"

Zagreus: "I thought you'd like it, sir. And so, I'm pleased to offer you another! Almost a shame we seldom get such imports from Olympus around here. I hope I can appreciate it for myself sometime. Once all this is over with, I think."

Sisyphus: "What? You mean that you've never touched the stuff yourself? You've much more self control than I have, there. Perhaps someday we'll have a chance to share some between us!"

Zagreus: "Yeah I hope so too."

Sisyphus: "All this, for someone such as me. You know I'm down here for a reason, don't you, Prince? Not just because your father and good Thanatos don't care for me. Yet, from the very first, you showed me decency I'd not experienced since I was a king. Perhaps not even then."

Zagreus: "Whoever it was you used to be, sir, I believe you've changed. And I'm proud to say that you're my friend. And Bouldy there as well. It's odd for me to say, but I am glad you're here. I think I've learned a lot from you, about all this."

Sisyphus: "Well, Your Highness, I am honored very much indeed, and having you amongst my list of friends makes it perhaps the greatest such a list a fellow such as I has ever had. Isn't that right, Bouldy? Take it from me, Prince Z, Bouldy concurs."

Zagreus: "You guys are great."

Sisyphus Forges Bond with Zagreus.

Sisyphus: "So, all this time, Prince, when you were battling up to the surface, and all that ... you were searching for her, weren't you? The Queen?"

Zagreus: "I was. Although, between us, sir, it's important that you keep that one a secret, please. Did ... you happen to meet her, ever?"

Sisyphus: "Well, just the one time, briefly, when your father decided to put me here. And, you have my word, of course. About the ... surface stuff."

Sisyphus: "Prince Z, my understanding is the Queen herself is back, is that correct? Moreover, I have heard a truly fascinating rumor about her ..."

Zagreus: "That I'm her son ...? It's true, sir. And she's back with us for now, indeed. I think we're all still getting used to it, but ... it feels good, having her in my life."

Sisyphus: "That's wonderful to hear. I'd always heard good things about that one. No wonder such a quality runs in the family."

Sisyphus: "Just one thing I don't understand, Prince Z, if you'll indulge me for a moment, here. If everything is all right for you at the House, then ... why is it you're fighting to the surface, still?"

Zagreus: "Oh, you know. Wouldn't want Father to get too comfortable thinking this place is foolproof. It has a terrifyingly ominous reputation to uphold! There is no escape."

Sisyphus: "Sure, that makes sense! Well, from a certain point of view. Escape over and over to prove it can't be done! I like that. Well, let's both of us keep at it, then!"

Sisyphus: "Not working yourself too hard of late, are you, Prince Z? Remembering to take some breaks from time to time, and all?"

Zagreus: "Think I'm managing, thanks, sir. Though, back when you pushed Bouldy rather than talked to him ... I suppose you didn't have much of a choice, did you?"

Sisyphus: "Well, it was work, you know? Even your Father has to work. Of course, I've since retired! But it seems you and he like to keep yourselves occupied. Whatever makes you feel content."