94 pages • 3 hours read
Metamorphoses
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Book Brief
450
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Roman Empire • Mythical Past
8
Adult
18+ years
1180L
Super Short Summary
Metamorphoses by Ovid is a collection of Greco-Roman mythological tales focusing on themes of transformation. It begins with the creation of the world from chaos and follows numerous myths including the stories of Deucalion and Pyrrha repopulating the earth, Phaethon visiting his father the Sun, and Orpheus failing to rescue his wife Eurydice. The tales of gods, heroes, and mortals intertwine, depicting various transformations and the actions of deities. Includes violence, sexual violence, death, suicide, cannibalism, and enslavement.
Fantastical
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Emotional
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
74,268 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ovid's Metamorphoses is lauded for its imaginative storytelling and influence on Western literature. The narrative's fluid transformations captivate readers, while its rich mythological allusions offer profound cultural insights. Critics note that its episodic structure can be challenging, with some stories feeling less cohesive. Overall, it remains a pivotal literary work.
Who Should Read Metamorphoses?
A reader who enjoys Metamorphoses by Ovid likely appreciates classical mythology, epic poetry, and transformation tales. They may also enjoy works like Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey, and Virgil's The Aeneid for their rich mythological narratives and exploration of human nature and the divine.
74,268 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jupiter
Jupiter
The king of the Olympian gods, referred to as Zeus by the Greeks, and married to Juno. He wields a thunderbolt and is often portrayed as a powerful authority figure subject to fate's limitations.
Juno
Juno
The queen of the gods and wife of Jupiter, known as Hera in Greek mythology. She is the goddess of marriage and is often depicted responding to Jupiter's infidelities and other perceived slights.
Minerva
Minerva
Also known as Pallas, she is the goddess of warfare, wisdom, and crafts, and the daughter of Jupiter, known to the Greeks as Athena. She is depicted punishing mortals who challenge or offend her.
Medea
Medea
A witch and former princess of Colchis who aids Jason in acquiring the golden fleece out of love, leading to her betrayal of her family. Her magic is powerful, and her character sometimes takes a darker turn in the narrative.
Hercules
Hercules
A famous Greek hero, son of Jupiter, known for his incredible strength and heroic deeds. His birth is marked by difficulty, but after his death, he undergoes apotheosis to become a god.
450
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
Roman Empire • Mythical Past
8
Adult
18+ years
1180L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.