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Metamorphoses

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 8

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Book Brief

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Ovid

Metamorphoses

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 8
Book Details
Pages

450

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Setting

Roman Empire • Mythical Past

Publication Year

8

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1180L

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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

4.4

74,268 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.4

74,268 ratings

76%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Apollo

The son of Jupiter and Latona, and twin brother of Diana, known as the god of music and associated with the laurel tree. He is renowned for his oracle at Delphi and interacts frequently with mortals and other deities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Book Details
Pages

450

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Setting

Roman Empire • Mythical Past

Publication Year

8

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1180L

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