Metamorphoses · Chapter
Book III explained
This chapter recounts the tragic tale of Narcissus, who falls in love with his own reflection and perishes, and the story of Pentheus, who defies Bacchus and meets a violent end.
What happens
This chapter recounts the tragic tale of Narcissus, who falls in love with his own reflection and perishes, and the story of Pentheus, who defies Bacchus and meets a violent end. It also includes the transformation of Echo, the founding of Thebes by Cadmus, and the death of Semele, mother of Bacchus.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Metamorphosis
Narcissus transforms into a flower, Echo into a stone, and Cadmus's serpent teeth become armed men.
Divine Power and Human Folly
Pentheus defies Bacchus and is punished; Semele's request to Jove leads to her death.
Love and Desire
Narcissus's self-love and Echo's unrequited love drive the narrative.
Characters to notice
- Narcissus
A beautiful youth who falls in love with his own reflection and dies, transforming into a flower.
- Echo
A nymph cursed by Juno to only repeat others' words; she pines for Narcissus and fades away.
- Pentheus
King of Thebes who denies Bacchus's divinity and is torn apart by maenads.
- Cadmus
Founder of Thebes who slays a serpent and sows its teeth, giving rise to armed men.
- Jove
Father of Bacchus; appears to Semele in divine form, causing her death.
- Juno
Jealous goddess who tricks Semele and curses Echo.
Key passages
“It is myself I love, myself I see, The gay delusion is a part of me; I kindle up the fires by which I burn, And my own beauties from the well return.”
Narcissus realizes he loves his own reflection and that his desire is self-destructive.
Key moment of self-awareness leading to his demise.
“If e'er he knows himself he surely dies.”
Tiresias prophesies that Narcissus will die if he comes to understand his own nature.
Prophecy that sets the tragic course of Narcissus's story.
“Why dost thou thus with secret pleasure see, Insulting man! what thou thyself shalt be?”
A voice warns Cadmus that he will one day become a serpent, mirroring his victim.
Foreshadows Cadmus's own transformation.