# Europa's Rape explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Jupiter, having calmed his fury, sends Mercury to drive a herd of heifers to the shore of Sidon. Disguised as a beautiful white bull, Jupiter mingles with the herd and captivates Europa, the daughter of Agenor. She plays with the gentle bull, eventually climbing onto his back. The bull then carries her across the sea to Crete, where he reveals his true divine form and claims her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Power and Human Folly

Jupiter uses his divine power to deceive and abduct Europa, highlighting the capricious and overwhelming nature of the gods over mortals.

### Transformation and Metamorphosis

Jupiter transforms into a bull to approach Europa, then reverts to his divine form, exemplifying the theme of physical transformation.

## Character check-ins

### Jove

Disguises himself as a white bull to seduce and abduct Europa, revealing his divine form upon reaching Crete.

### Mercury

Sent by Jove to drive the herd of heifers to the shore, executing his father's plan.

### Europa

The daughter of Agenor, who is deceived by the gentle bull and carried off to Crete.

## Key lines

> The dignity of empire laid aside (For love but ill agrees with kingly pride), The ruler of the skies, the thund'ring god, Who shakes the world's foundations with a nod, Among a herd of lowing heifers ran, Frisk'd in a bull, and bellow'd o'er the plain.

Jupiter, the king of the gods, sets aside his royal dignity and transforms into a bull, frolicking among the herd.

_Highlights Jupiter's willingness to abandon his divine majesty for the sake of pursuing Europa._

> She placed herself upon his back, and rode O'er fields and meadows, seated on the god. He gently march'd along, and by degrees Left the dry meadow, and approach'd the seas, Where now he dips his hoofs and wets his thighs, Now plunges in, and carries off the prize.

Europa climbs onto the bull's back, and he slowly carries her from the fields into the sea, abducting her.

_Describes the moment of abduction, emphasizing Europa's trust and the bull's gradual deception._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/europa-s-rape
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters