Metamorphoses · Chapter
Golden Age explained
During the reign of Saturn, humanity lives in a state of primeval happiness, guided by uncorrupted reason and innate goodness, without laws, punishment, or fear.
What happens
During the reign of Saturn, humanity lives in a state of primeval happiness, guided by uncorrupted reason and innate goodness, without laws, punishment, or fear. The earth provides abundantly without cultivation, and there is no war, travel, or toil—only peace, simplicity, and natural abundance.
Themes in this chapter
Creation and Order from Chaos
The Golden Age represents a primordial state of harmony and order, where nature and humanity coexist without conflict or artifice.
Mortality and Immortality
Though mortal, humans in the Golden Age live without toil or fear, blurring the line between mortal and immortal existence.
Characters to notice
- Saturn
Reigns during the Golden Age, a time of primeval happiness and innocence.
Key passages
“The golden age was first, when man, yet new, No rule but uncorrupted reason knew, And, with a native bent did good pursue.”
In the earliest age, humanity was innocent and naturally inclined to do good, guided only by pure reason.
Describes the innate moral compass of early humans.
“The teeming earth, yet guiltless of the plough, And unprovoked, did fruitful stores allow.”
The earth produced abundant food without being tilled or forced.
Highlights the effortless fertility of the land during the Golden Age.