Book details
The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in English blank verse Vols. I & II
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Stored record
Metadata
- Gutenberg ID
- 28621
- Title
- The Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in English blank verse Vols. I & II
- Language
- en
- Book source
- Project Gutenberg
- Description max 80 words
-
This 1807 English blank verse translation of Ovid's classic mythological epic recounts the creation of the world, the ages of man, and the transformative stories of gods and mortals. With a tone of classical grandeur and moral reflection, it appeals to readers seeking timeless tales of love, power, and change.
- Summary up to 500 words
-
In this 1807 English blank verse translation of Ovid's *Metamorphoses*, the narrative begins with the chaotic separation of the elements—earth, sea, and sky—under the command of an unknown deity, establishing the ordered cosmos. Humanity emerges to progress through the Ages of Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Iron, a decline marked by shifting seasons, the invention of tools, and the eventual rise of violence and fraud that drives the goddess Astraea from the earth. The epic then shifts to divine interventions, illustrating the capricious nature of the gods. Jupiter transforms the arrogant Lycaon into a wolf for his impiety and avarice, while Minerva is turned to stone by her own envy. Jupiter's deceptive abduction of Europa as a bull further highlights the power dynamics between mortals and immortals. The narrative continues with Cadmus founding Thebes after slaying a dragon and sowing its teeth to create an army of armed men, only to face civil war among the new brothers. Other tragic tales include Actaeon's fatal encounter with Diana and the birth of Bacchus from Semele. The work culminates in a profound reflection on the assassination of Julius Caesar. Ovid elevates Caesar's legacy to divine status, asserting that his fame, preserved by poetry, surpasses even that of Jupiter. The translation concludes with a declaration that the poet's verses will endure against the ravages of time, ensuring an eternal name for both the author and the subjects of his song.
- LLM editorial rating
- 4.2/5
- Download URL
- https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/28621.epub.noimages
- Local file path
-
data/epubs/pg28621.epub - Downloaded at
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People
Authors
- Ovid
Classification
Categories
- Classics
- Poetry