Narrative Web

King Dalios mistakes Jo for a goddess

King Dalios greets Jo Grant with extravagant reverence the moment she arrives, addressing her as Jojo Grant and hailing her as a divine being descended from Olympus. When Jo quickly corrects him, the king stumbles through a frenzied apology, revealing his deep respect for ancient Atlantean traditions and the seismic cultural divide between outsiders and Atlantean honor. The fawning welcome underscores the perilous ignorance of the Doctor’s group while exposing Jo’s insecurity about proving herself beyond the Doctor’s shadow. key_dialogue: [ DALIOS: You are welcome, Jojo Grant. Surely as in ancient times, a goddess has descend from Olympus. JO: But I'm not a goddess, Honestly, I'm not. DALIOS: No, no, of course you're not, my child. Forgive the clumsy gallantry of an old man. I'm afraid I'm sadly out of practice. Hippias? ]

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

2

The Doctor and Jo are welcomed by King Dalios, who addresses Jo with gallant but mistaken reverence, calling her 'Jojo Grant' and likening her to a goddess from Olympus.

courtesy to humility ["King Dalios' Terrace"]

Jo clarifies she is not a goddess, and Dalios apologizes for his 'clumsy gallantry', revealing his age and out-of-practice nature in such interactions.

amusement to sincerity

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

4

Humiliated affection masking insecurity about being perceived as inferior to the Doctor

Jo Grant stands with the Doctor but is immediately singled out by King Dalios, who addresses her with extravagant reverence as if she were a legendary deity. Her hesitation is evident as she quickly corrects this misidentification, visibly uncomfortable while attempting to deflect attention to the Doctor.

Goals in this moment
  • To correct Dalios' misidentification as quickly as possible
  • To redirect attention back to the Doctor or the mission
Active beliefs
  • That the Doctor should remain the central focus of their interactions
  • That assuming a false identity or title would be dishonest
Character traits
Polite but firm in correcting assumptions Instinctive attempt to avoid being placed above the Doctor Discomfort with being misidentified as something she is not
Follow Jo Grant's journey

Awkwardly flustered but trying to maintain dignified hospitality

King Dalios greets Jo Grant with immediate and exaggerated reverence, mistaking her for a divine being descended from Olympus. His deference is steeped in traditional Atlantean reverence despite his personal uncertainty about her, sporadically confessing clumsiness in his unfamiliarity with outsiders.

Goals in this moment
  • To maintain appropriate Atlantean hospitality toward perceived divine guests
  • To avoid causing offense by clumsily backtracking from his mistake
Active beliefs
  • That honoring divine or semi-divine beings is essential to Atlantean culture
  • That authority must be displayed through ceremonious formality
Character traits
Demonstrates aged memory and reverence for ancient traditions Socially awkward in dealing with outsiders Humble in attempting to save face after his gaffe
Follow Dalios's journey

Patient but internally aware of the cultural misstep needing to be managed

The Doctor introduces Jo Grant to King Dalios with quiet authority, remaining calm and composed amidst Dalios' exaggerated reverence. He observes the interaction without interrupting but subtly reassures Jo before she leaves with Hippias.

Goals in this moment
  • To ensure Jo's introduction is handled smoothly
  • To gauge Dalios' reception of them
Active beliefs
  • That formality and respect are important in diplomatic encounters
  • That Jo's competence should be recognized on her own merits
Character traits
Calm and composed despite culturally insensitive greeting Observant of Jo's discomfort Maintaining control of introducing their party
Follow The Third …'s journey
Supporting 1

Professionally neutral with a hint of reserved formality

Hippias acts immediately at Dalios' command to escort Jo Grant to Queen Galleia, demonstrating measured protocol. He avoids unnecessary interaction with the Doctor despite his earlier life-saving intervention, showing disciplined adherence to ceremonial duties over personal validation.

Goals in this moment
  • To escort Jo to Queen Galleia as instructed
  • To maintain the established hierarchy and avoid overstepping protocol
Active beliefs
  • That personal recognition matters less than fulfilling one's ceremonial role
  • That the Queen's reception of guests is a matter of state importance
Character traits
Disciplined and duty-bound in executing orders Reserved and formal in demeanor Prioritizes institutional protocol over individual recognition
Follow Hippias (High …'s journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Dalios' Terrace

The terrace serves as the ceremonial stage where King Dalios formally receives visitors of importance. Its elevated marble platform and ritualistic arrangements emphasize hierarchy and ancient customs, amplifying the impact of Dalios' culturally rooted greeting and Jo's discomfort with being misidentified.

Atmosphere Formal and ceremonial with an undertone of sincere reverence masking social awkwardness
Function Diplomatic reception space for formal introductions and negotiations
Symbolism Represents Atlantean tradition and the weight of ancient prophecy and ritual
Access Likely restricted to dignitaries, royal family, and high-ranking officials
Marble terracing worn smooth by sea winds Setting golden light of the evening sun casting elongated shadows

Organizations Involved

Institutional presence and influence

1
King’s Council of Atlantis

The King’s Council of Atlantis is implicitly represented through Dalios’ formal courtly protocols and ceremonial deference, acting as the invisible framework justifying Dalios’ reverent greeting. The council’s values of tradition and divine mandate shape his immediate response.

Representation Through the king’s adherence to traditional ritual and formal hospitality protocols
Power Dynamics Monarch as primary authority interpreting and enforcing council-approved norms
Impact Reinforces the council's role in legitimizing the monarch's divine associations and traditional rituals, ensuring continuity …
To maintain the sanctity of divine and royal protocol in all external interactions To preserve the cultural integrity of Atlantis in the face of outsiders Through ceremonial language and formal etiquette Through the king’s public embodiment of council-supported traditions

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

What led here 3

"Dalios's plea for help (Beat 930...) is answered when he welcomes the Doctor and Jo, forming a direct alliance and showing his trust in the Doctor based on their shared understanding of the threat."

King Dalios confesses his fear of Kronos
S9E25 · The Time Monster Part 5

"Dalios's plea for help (Beat 930...) is answered when he welcomes the Doctor and Jo, forming a direct alliance and showing his trust in the Doctor based on their shared understanding of the threat."

The crystal's indestructible paradox revealed
S9E25 · The Time Monster Part 5

"Dalios's plea for help (Beat 930...) is answered when he welcomes the Doctor and Jo, forming a direct alliance and showing his trust in the Doctor based on their shared understanding of the threat."

Dalios makes desperate plea for Doctor’s aid
S9E25 · The Time Monster Part 5