The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books I-VII

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21765

Title

The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books I-VII

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents Henry T. Riley's 1851 prose translation of Ovid's *Metamorphoses* (Books I-VII), offering a faithful rendering of ancient myths. Accompanied by extensive notes and explanations, it illuminates the traditions, manners, and customs of antiquity, making the masterpiece accessible to modern readers while preserving the original's rich narrative depth.

Summary up to 500 words

Ovid's *Metamorphoses* (Books I-VII) presents a sweeping narrative of transformation, beginning with the creation of the world and the four ages of man. The story progresses through a catastrophic flood that wipes out humanity, sparing only Deucalion and Pyrrha, who repopulate the earth by throwing stones behind them. Under the reign of Jupiter, the narrative explores the capricious nature of the gods. Io is transformed into a cow by Juno's jealousy, while Mercury slays Argus to free her, placing Argus's eyes in the peacock's tail. Calisto is turned into a bear by Juno and later placed among the stars as Ursa Major with her son Arcas. Europa is carried to Crete by Jupiter in the form of a bull. The text details Mercury's further adventures, including the transformation of Ocyrrhoe into a mare and the creation of a touchstone from Battus. Book III introduces Cadmus, who founds Thebes by sowing dragon's teeth. The tragic tale of Actaeon follows, who is transformed into a stag and torn apart by his own hounds after seeing Diana bathing. The volume features the poignant fable of Niobe, who boasts of her seven sons and daughters against Latona; Apollo and Diana avenge this insult by killing all of Niobe's children, leaving her to weep eternally as a stone statue on Mount Sipylos. The narrative also incorporates synoptical views of principal transformations and explanatory notes derived from ancient historians like Herodotus and Apollodorus. These notes provide context on figures like Theseus, detailing his heroic labors against monsters and robbers, and discuss the Pygmies, a nation engaged in perpetual warfare with cranes. The work serves as a compendium of ancient mythology, blending Greek and Roman traditions into a continuous tale of change, often driven by divine intervention, human hubris, and the enduring power of nature.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Poetry
• Mythology