Metamorphoses · Chapter
Ocyrrhoe Transformed to a Mare explained
Ocyrrhoe, the prophetic daughter of Chiron, foretells the future of the infant Asclepius and her father's fate, but for revealing the secrets of Jove she is transformed into a mare, losing her human speech and form.
What happens
Ocyrrhoe, the prophetic daughter of Chiron, foretells the future of the infant Asclepius and her father's fate, but for revealing the secrets of Jove she is transformed into a mare, losing her human speech and form.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Metamorphosis
Ocyrrhoe's physical change from maiden to mare is the central event of the chapter.
Fate and Prophecy
Ocyrrhoe's prophetic speech reveals the destinies of Asclepius and Chiron, leading to her punishment.
Divine Power and Human Folly
Ocyrrhoe's abuse of her prophetic gift incurs Jove's wrath, demonstrating the consequences of overstepping mortal bounds.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Hail! great physician of the world, all hail! Hail! mighty infant! who in years to come Shalt heal the nations and defraud the tomb.”
Ocyrrhoe greets the infant Asclepius as a future healer who will revive the dead.
Prophecy of Asclepius's medical powers and eventual death and resurrection.
“My voice, says she, is gone, my language fails, Through every limb my kindred shape prevails: Why did the god this fatal gift impart, And with prophetic raptures swell my heart?”
Ocyrrhoe laments the loss of her human speech as her body transforms into a horse's form.
Her regret at being granted prophecy, which leads to her metamorphosis.