# Assumption of Hersilia explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/assumption-of-hersilia
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters