Metamorphoses · Chapter
Book XIII explained
This chapter recounts the tragic fate of Hecuba, who is transformed into a dog after avenging her son Polydore's murder, and the mourning of Aurora for her son Memnon, whose ashes are transformed into birds.
What happens
This chapter recounts the tragic fate of Hecuba, who is transformed into a dog after avenging her son Polydore's murder, and the mourning of Aurora for her son Memnon, whose ashes are transformed into birds. It also features the debate between Ajax and Ulysses over the arms of Achilles, where Ulysses argues for his cunning and contributions over Ajax's brute strength.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Metamorphosis
Hecuba is transformed into a dog, and Memnon's ashes become birds, illustrating physical change as a result of grief and divine intervention.
Violence and Revenge
Hecuba's violent revenge on Polymestor for the murder of her son, and the brutal imagery of her attack.
Mortality and Immortality
The deaths of Memnon and Achilles highlight mortal limits, while divine responses grant a form of immortality through transformation.
Characters to notice
- Hecuba
Grieves for her son Polydore and avenges his murder by Polymestor, then is transformed into a dog.
- Ulysses
Argues for the arms of Achilles, emphasizing his cunning and strategic contributions over Ajax's strength.
- Ajax
Contests with Ulysses for the arms of Achilles, relying on his physical prowess and deeds.
- Aurora
Mourns the death of her son Memnon and pleads with Jove for a memorial, resulting in birds springing from his ashes.
- Jove
Grants Aurora's request for Memnon's memorial and oversees the debate for Achilles' arms.
- Achilles
His arms are the subject of the dispute between Ajax and Ulysses; his death is referenced.
- Memnon
Son of Aurora, killed by Achilles, his ashes transform into birds.
- Diomed
Mentioned as a companion of Ulysses and as a witness to Ajax's cowardice.
Key passages
“She springs upon him, mid the captive crowd: (Her thirst of vengeance want of strength supplies:) Fastens her forky fingers in his eyes; Tears out the rooted balls; her rage pursues, And in the hollow orbs her hand imbrues.”
Hecuba attacks Polymestor, gouging out his eyes in a fit of vengeful fury.
Depicts Hecuba's violent revenge for her son's murder.
“The sooty ashes wafted by the air, Whirl round, and thicken in a body there; Then take a form, which their own heat and fire, With active life and energy inspire.”
Memnon's ashes gather and transform into birds, animated by the funeral fire.
Describes the metamorphosis of Memnon's remains into the Memnonides.
“Will he compare my courage with his sleight? As well he may compare the day with night. Night is indeed the province of his reign: Yet all his dark exploits no more contain Than a spy taken, and a sleeper slain;”
Ulysses dismisses Ajax's deeds as mere night-time tricks, contrasting his own daytime bravery.
Ulysses argues that Ajax's accomplishments are trivial compared to his own strategic feats.