# Fate of Pyreneus explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

The Muses recount how they sought shelter from a storm in the house of King Pyreneus of Thrace, who treacherously attempted to assault them. When they escaped by transforming into birds, Pyreneus pursued them, fell from a high tower, and died.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Power and Human Folly

Pyreneus's hubris in attempting to assault the Muses leads to his downfall, illustrating the folly of mortals who challenge divine beings.

### Transformation and Metamorphosis

The Muses transform into birds to escape Pyreneus's violence, a key metamorphosis in the narrative.

## Character check-ins

### Pyreneus

King of Thrace who deceitfully offered shelter to the Muses and attempted violence against them, ultimately falling to his death.

## Key lines

> But we, transform'd to birds, avoid his snare, On pinions rising in the yielding air.

The Muses turned into birds and flew away to escape his trap.

_Describes the Muses' metamorphosis and escape._

> The wretch fell headlong, and the ground bestrew'd With broken bones, and stains of guilty blood.

Pyreneus fell from the tower and died, his body shattered on the ground.

_Depicts Pyreneus's fatal fall as punishment for his crime._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/fate-of-pyreneus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters