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Metamorphoses · Chapter

Assumption of Hersilia explained

Hersilia, the wife of Romulus, is granted a place among the gods and is renamed Ora.

What happens

Hersilia, the wife of Romulus, is granted a place among the gods and is renamed Ora. The goddess of marriage sends Iris to guide her to the sacred mount, where a flame transforms her, and she ascends to the heavens to reunite with her husband, now known as Quirinus.

Themes in this chapter

  • Transformation and Metamorphosis

    Hersilia is transformed from a mortal widow into the goddess Ora, ascending to heaven.

  • Mortality and Immortality

    The chapter depicts the transition from human grief to divine eternal union.

Characters to notice

  • Romulus

    Now deified as Quirinus, he welcomes his wife Hersilia to the celestial realm.

  • Juno

    Implied as the goddess of the nuptial bed who sends Iris to aid Hersilia.

Key passages

  • “A seat in the celestial mansions is assigned to Hersilia, the wile of Romulus, who assumes the name of Ora.”

    Hersilia, Romulus's wife, is given a place in heaven and renamed Ora.

    Opening lines establish the central transformation.

  • “With opening arms Quirinus met his bride, Now Ora named, and press'd her to his side.”

    Romulus, now Quirinus, embraces his wife Hersilia, now called Ora, in the heavens.

    Climactic reunion of the deified couple.

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