Book IX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Transformation and Metamorphosis

  Iphis is transformed from a woman into a man; Hercules is transformed into a god after his death.

• Love and Desire

  Iphis's love for Ianthe, Byblis's incestuous desire for Caunus, and Deianira's jealous love for Hercules drive the narratives.

• Fate and Prophecy

  Themis's prophecy foretells the Theban war and the limits of divine power; Jove emphasizes the Fates' control over renewal.

Characters to notice

• Hercules

  Suffers a painful death from the poisoned robe sent by Deianira, then is transformed into a god.

• Jove

  Forbids the gods from granting renewed youth to mortals, citing the Fates' control.

• Minerva

  Implied presence among the gods during the debate over renewing youth.

• Venus

  Attends the wedding of Iphis and Ianthe, and is concerned for Anchises' youth.

• Juno

  Attends the wedding of Iphis and Ianthe, and is the target of Hercules' dying curse.

• Orpheus

  Mentioned in the prophecy of Themis as the bard who will find his tomb in the earth.

Key passages

• “Heaven must destroy me, if it would preserve; And that’s my fate, or sure it would have sent Some usual evil for my punishment: Not this unkindly curse, to rage and burn, Where nature shows no prospect of return.”

  Iphis laments that heaven is destroying her by preserving her love, as nature prevents her from consummating it.

  Iphis's internal conflict about her impossible love for Ianthe.

• “The maid becomes a youth. No more delay Your vows, but look, and confidently pay.”

  Iphis is transformed into a young man, and the wedding can proceed without delay.

  The climax of Iphis's transformation by Isis.

• “Glut thy revenge, dread emp'ress of the skies; Sate with my death the rancour of thy heart, Look down with pleasure, and enjoy my smart.”

  Hercules, in agony from the poisoned robe, calls out to Juno to take pleasure in his suffering.

  Hercules's final curse against Juno before his death.