The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26073

Title

The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books VIII-XV

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents Henry T. Riley's 1851 prose translation of Ovid's *Metamorphoses*, covering Books VIII-XV. It offers a faithful rendering of ancient myths featuring heroes like Theseus, Ulysses, and Aeneas, alongside tales of magical transformations involving Circe, Pygmalion, and Dido. Rich with scholarly notes, this edition illuminates classical traditions, manners, and customs for modern readers.

Summary up to 500 words

Henry T. Riley's translation of Ovid's *Metamorphoses* (Books VIII-XV) continues the epic narrative of transformation and mythological history. The text begins with the fates of Minos, Scylla, and the Minotaur, followed by the tragic flight of Daedalus and Icarus. The narrative shifts to the Calydonian Boar hunt, where Meleager's life is cut short by his mother's wrath. The story then follows Ulysses' perilous journey home. He encounters the Cyclops Polyphemus, who curses him to wander the seas until he finds his own way back. Ulysses visits Aeolus, who releases the winds, and suffers the wrath of the Laestrygonians. He eventually reaches Circe's island, where she turns his companions into swine until Ulysses, protected by the herb Moly, forces her to restore them. During his stay, he learns of the power of love and magic through the statues of Apollo and the tales of his handmaids. The narrative expands to include the transformation of Picus into a woodpecker by the sorceress Circe, and the tragic love of Dido for Aeneas, which ends in her suicide. Aeneas departs for Italy, while Ulysses continues his voyage, facing the Sirens, Scylla, and Charybdis. He reaches the court of King Alcinous in Phaeacia, where he recounts his entire journey to the Phaeacians. The final books cover the fall of Troy, the funeral games for Patroclus, and the journey of Aeneas to the Underworld. The text concludes with the founding of Rome, the rise of Pythagoras, and the assassination of Julius Caesar. Throughout, Riley's translation provides a literal yet readable prose version, accompanied by extensive notes explaining obscure allusions, geographical locations, and mythological contexts drawn from ancient historians and poets.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Poetry
• Mythology