Metamorphoses · Chapter
Changes of Proteus explained
Achelous tells his guest about the various transformations of Proteus, who could change his form into a youth, a lion, a boar, a snake, a bull, a tree, a stone, water, or flame.
What happens
Achelous tells his guest about the various transformations of Proteus, who could change his form into a youth, a lion, a boar, a snake, a bull, a tree, a stone, water, or flame.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Metamorphosis
Proteus exemplifies the theme through his ability to change into various forms such as a youth, lion, boar, snake, bull, tree, stone, water, and flame.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Some, when transform'd, fix in the lasting change; Some, with more right, through various figures range.”
Some beings are permanently transformed into a single new form, while others have the ability to shift through many different shapes.
Achelous distinguishes between permanent and fluid transformations.
“Sometimes a blooming youth you graced the shore; Oft a fierce lion or a furious boar: With glist'ring spires now seem'd a hissing snake.”
Proteus could appear as a handsome young man on the shore, or as a savage lion or boar, and even as a snake with shining coils.
Examples of Proteus's many forms.