Metamorphoses · Chapter
Book II explained
This chapter recounts the tragic story of Phaeton's fatal chariot ride, the transformation of his sisters into poplars, and the metamorphosis of Cycnus into a swan.
What happens
This chapter recounts the tragic story of Phaeton's fatal chariot ride, the transformation of his sisters into poplars, and the metamorphosis of Cycnus into a swan. It also includes the tale of Ocyrrhoe transformed into a mare, Battus turned into a touchstone, and the story of Aglauros turned into a statue, along with the punishment of the raven for revealing Coronis's infidelity.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Metamorphosis
Multiple transformations occur: Ocyrrhoe into a mare, Battus into a touchstone, Aglauros into a statue, Phaeton's sisters into poplars, and Cycnus into a swan.
Divine Power and Human Folly
Phaeton's hubris in driving the sun chariot leads to his death by Jove's thunderbolt; Coronis's betrayal results in Apollo's wrath.
Fate and Prophecy
Ocyrrhoe's prophetic gift leads to her transformation when she reveals secrets of fate; the inevitability of destiny is emphasized.
Characters to notice
- Phaeton
Drives the sun chariot and is struck down by Jove's thunderbolt, falling into the Po river.
- Ocyrrhoe
Daughter of Chiron, transformed into a mare for abusing her gift of prophecy.
- Battus
A shepherd turned into a touchstone by Mercury for betraying his promise of secrecy.
- Aglauros
Sister of Herse, turned into a statue by Minerva for her greed and betrayal.
- Coronis
Nymph killed by Apollo for infidelity; her unborn child is saved and given to Chiron.
- Cycnus
Son of Sthenelus, deeply mourns Phaeton and is transformed into a swan.
Key passages
“The ambitious boy fell thunderstruck from heaven; The horses started with a sudden bound, And flung the reins and chariot to the ground”
Phaeton was struck down by Jove's thunderbolt, causing the horses to bolt and the chariot to crash.
Describes the climax of Phaeton's fatal ride.
“Her tongue no more distinct complaints affords, But in shrill accents and misshapen words Pours forth such hideous wailings, as declare The human form confounded in the mare”
Ocyrrhoe's speech becomes incomprehensible as she transforms into a mare, neighing instead of speaking.
Illustrates Ocyrrhoe's metamorphosis into a horse.
“Then to a touchstone turns the faithless spy, And in his name records his infamy.”
Mercury turned the treacherous Battus into a touchstone, memorializing his betrayal.
Describes Battus's punishment for breaking his promise.