# Adventures of Achaemenides explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Achaemenides, a companion of Ulysses left behind on the coast of Sicily, recounts to Aeneas his harrowing escape from the Cyclops and his gratitude for being rescued.

## Themes in this chapter

### Violence and Revenge

The Cyclops's rage and desire for revenge against Ulysses, and the gruesome description of his cannibalism, highlight the theme of violence.

### Mortality and Immortality

Achaemenides's survival against the mortal threat of the Cyclops contrasts with the monstrous, semi-divine nature of the Cyclops.

## Character check-ins

### Ulysses

Companion of Achaemenides; the Cyclops rages against him for blinding him.

### Aeneas

The hero who rescues Achaemenides; praised for his piety and aid.

## Key lines

> With thanks I name Aeneas, and his piety proclaim. I 'scaped the cyclop through the hero's aid, Else in his maw my mangled limbs had laid.

Achaemenides expresses gratitude to Aeneas, crediting him with saving his life from the Cyclops.

_Achaemenides acknowledges Aeneas's piety and heroic intervention._

> Oh! could I seize Ulysses in his flight, How unlamented were my loss of sight! These jaws should piecemeal tear each panting vein, Grind every crackling bone, and pound his brain.

The Cyclops laments his blindness and vows to brutally kill Ulysses if he catches him.

_The Cyclops's vengeful speech reveals his desire for retribution against Ulysses._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/adventures-of-achaemenides
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters