94 pages • 3 hours read
OvidMetamorphoses
Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 8A 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.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1180LBook Details
Ancient Greece
Narrative / Epic Poem
Values/Ideas: Power & Greed
Society: Politics & Government
Life/Time: Mortality & Death