# Apotheosis of Hercules explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/apotheosis-of-hercules
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters