# Building of Troy explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Apollo and Neptune, disguised as mortals, build the walls of Troy for King Laomedon, who refuses to pay them. In retaliation, Neptune floods the land and sends a sea monster. Hercules saves the king's daughter from the monster but is also cheated of his reward, leading him to besiege and sack Troy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Power and Human Folly

Apollo and Neptune's wrath against Laomedon's deceit demonstrates the consequences of defying the gods.

### Violence and Revenge

Neptune's flood and sea monster, followed by Hercules' sack of Troy, illustrate cycles of vengeance.

## Character check-ins

### Apollo

Disguises himself as a mortal to build Troy's walls; later seeks revenge on Laomedon.

### Neptune

Assists Apollo in building the walls; floods the Phrygian plain and sends a sea monster after being cheated.

### Hercules

Saves Laomedon's daughter from the sea monster but is denied his reward; later sacks Troy.

### Jove

Mentioned as Panomphaean Jove, to whom an altar stands near Hellespont.

## Key lines

> The work was built, the king their price denies, And his injustice backs with perjuries

After the walls were completed, King Laomedon refused to pay the agreed price and broke his oath.

_Highlights Laomedon's betrayal leading to divine punishment._

> He, in revenge, the new-built walls attack'd, And the twice-perjured city bravely sack'd.

Hercules, seeking revenge for being cheated, attacked and plundered the newly built city of Troy.

_Shows Hercules' role in punishing Laomedon's repeated deceit._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/building-of-troy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters