Heliotropolis

Heliopolis: An ancient city of northern Egypt in the Nile River delta

Helio: from Greek, helios: Sun

Metropolis: a major city (from Late Latin metropolis, mother-city, from Greek: meter, metr-, mother.)

Heliotrope: Any of several plants of the genus Heliotropium, especially H. arborescens, native to Peru and having small, highly fragrant purplish flowers. Also called turnsole.

• The garden heliotrope.
• Any of various plants that turn toward the sun.
• A moderate, light, or brilliant violet to moderate or deep reddish purple.

Into the dawning imagery of this chapter seep the incestuous thoughts about Issy (but are they coming from HCE, Shaun or Shem?); Heliotrope is the colour of Issy's underwear, which Shem (Glugg) is supposed to guess in Book 2 Chapter I. Thus, Issy as a city is at once forbidden (chaste/castled) and alluring (enchanting).