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Metamorphoses · Chapter

Apotheosis of Hercules explained

Hercules, nearing death, gives his bow and arrows to Philoctetes and builds a pyre on Mount Oeta.

What happens

Hercules, nearing death, gives his bow and arrows to Philoctetes and builds a pyre on Mount Oeta. As the flames consume his mortal body, his divine essence is preserved and he is taken up to the heavens by Jupiter, becoming a god among the immortals.

Themes in this chapter

  • Transformation and Metamorphosis

    Hercules' mortal body is transformed into an immortal divine form, akin to a serpent shedding its skin.

  • Mortality and Immortality

    The chapter contrasts the death of Hercules' physical form with the eternal life of his divine essence, granted by Jove.

Characters to notice

  • Hercules

    The hero of immortal birth who ascends to godhood after his mortal body is consumed by fire.

  • Jove

    The Thunderer who welcomes Hercules to the heavens and reassures the gods of his son's immortality.

  • Juno

    The jealous goddess who finally shows no frown at Hercules' apotheosis.

Key passages

  • “As an old serpent casts his scaly vest, Writhes in the sun, in youthful glory dress'd, So when Alcides mortal mould resign'd, His better part enlarged, and grew refined;”

    Just as a snake sheds its old skin and appears renewed in the sunlight, so Hercules shed his mortal body and his divine nature became greater and purer.

    This simile emphasizes the theme of transformation and the shedding of mortality for immortality.

  • “High o'er the hollow clouds the coursers fly, And lodge the hero in the starry sky.”

    Jove's chariot carries Hercules high above the clouds and places him among the stars.

    This concludes the apotheosis, showing Hercules' final ascent to the heavens.

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