# Ocyrrhoe Transformed to a Mare explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Ocyrrhoe

The prophetic daughter of Chiron, transformed into a mare for betraying Jove's secrets.

### Jove

Offended by Ocyrrhoe's prophecy, he causes her transformation.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/ocyrrhoe-transformed-to-a-mare
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters