Ovid was one of the most notable Roman poets. His intellectual capability was far superior in comparison to others. Ovid’s unique intelligence is partially due to his father’s demands and support for him to become a lawyer. Ovid’s most famous work was Metamorphoses, a fifteen- book narrative revolving around mythological creatures and events. The epic of Metamorphoses includes a set of small stories ranging from the creation of earth to the various mythological experiences, specifically from ancient Greece and Rome. Unlike most great works of literatures, Ovid’s piece does not contain a hero. However, Ovid’s use of unity of transformation shows readers a different and unique body of work. Ovid’s Metamorphoses should, without a doubt, be
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Ancient Rome and Greece cultures’ were known for incorporating their religious beliefs of polytheism, multiple gods, into their work. Gods and goddesses were the core dynamic for western literature. For example, book one is about the first creation, second creation as well the interaction between mythological figures, including Apollo and his lover Daphne. The god of love, Cupid, intervenes with Apollo’s love life with outrage, “and from his quiver drew two arrows out which operated at cross-purposes, for one engendered flight, the other, love” (650-651). Cupid struck Apollo with his first arrow causing him to fall in love with Daphne. The second arrow was one that struck Daphne; however this arrow counteracted her feelings towards Apollo. She wanted nothing to do with Apollo, so she ran to her father, Peneus. Peneus, a god himself, finally responded after Apollo raped Daphne and he finally transformed her into a laurel tree. Through the interaction between Apollo and Peneus in this part of the first book, the traditional subject matter of mythological gods using their powers to stir conflict is revealed. Book ten is a selection of Orpheus traveling to the underworld where he seeks help from the two gods, Proserpina and Pluto, to retrieve his wife. Granting approval under one condition, Orpheus disobeys the gods and in return he grieves by way of song. This is another example of the Greek and Roman culture of mythological and religious beliefs playing a role in Ovid’s writing. The “underworld” is where the Greeks and Romans believed the dead live, Orpheus adventured there to beg for his “dead” wife Eurydice back. Because he obeyed conflict arose. Polytheism is evidently displayed in book one and book ten. Ovid tells of the numerous different interactions between morals and gods throughout the fifteen different books. The idea to make sacrifices to the gods for
Ancient Rome and Greece cultures’ were known for incorporating their religious beliefs of polytheism, multiple gods, into their work. Gods and goddesses were the core dynamic for western literature. For example, book one is about the first creation, second creation as well the interaction between mythological figures, including Apollo and his lover Daphne. The god of love, Cupid, intervenes with Apollo’s love life with outrage, “and from his quiver drew two arrows out which operated at cross-purposes, for one engendered flight, the other, love” (650-651). Cupid struck Apollo with his first arrow causing him to fall in love with Daphne. The second arrow was one that struck Daphne; however this arrow counteracted her feelings towards Apollo. She wanted nothing to do with Apollo, so she ran to her father, Peneus. Peneus, a god himself, finally responded after Apollo raped Daphne and he finally transformed her into a laurel tree. Through the interaction between Apollo and Peneus in this part of the first book, the traditional subject matter of mythological gods using their powers to stir conflict is revealed. Book ten is a selection of Orpheus traveling to the underworld where he seeks help from the two gods, Proserpina and Pluto, to retrieve his wife. Granting approval under one condition, Orpheus disobeys the gods and in return he grieves by way of song. This is another example of the Greek and Roman culture of mythological and religious beliefs playing a role in Ovid’s writing. The “underworld” is where the Greeks and Romans believed the dead live, Orpheus adventured there to beg for his “dead” wife Eurydice back. Because he obeyed conflict arose. Polytheism is evidently displayed in book one and book ten. Ovid tells of the numerous different interactions between morals and gods throughout the fifteen different books. The idea to make sacrifices to the gods for