Metamorphoses · Chapter
Death of Nessus the Centaur explained
The centaur Nessus attempts to assault Dejanira, Hercules' bride, while fording a river.
What happens
The centaur Nessus attempts to assault Dejanira, Hercules' bride, while fording a river. Hercules kills Nessus with a poisoned arrow, but before dying, Nessus gives Dejanira a tunic stained with his poisoned blood, falsely claiming it will restore a husband's love.
Themes in this chapter
Violence and Revenge
Nessus's dying act of revenge—giving Dejanira a poisoned tunic—sets the stage for future tragedy.
Love and Desire
Nessus exploits Hercules' love for Dejanira by offering a false love charm, manipulating desire for vengeance.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“The centaur Nessus, who offers violence to Dejanira, is killed by the shafts of Hercules—Before he expires, he presents a poisoned tunic to the woman he has injured, assuring her of its efficacy to recall the affections of a faithless husband.”
Nessus assaults Dejanira, Hercules kills him with an arrow, and the dying centaur gives Dejanira a poisoned robe, claiming it will win back a straying husband.
Summarizes the chapter's core action and Nessus's deceptive revenge.
“The strong-limb'd Nessus thus officious cried (For he the shallows of the stream had tried), 'Swim thou, Alcides, all thy strength prepare, On yonder bank I'll lodge thy nuptial care.'”
Nessus, familiar with the river, offers to carry Dejanira across while Hercules swims.
Nessus's offer is a pretext for his assault.