# Peasants of Lycia Transformed to Frogs explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Latona, fleeing Juno's wrath, arrives in Lycia and asks peasants for water. They refuse and insult her, so she prays to Jupiter for revenge. He transforms them into frogs, condemning them to live eternally in the muddy lake.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Power and Human Folly

Latona's divine wrath punishes the peasants' rudeness and lack of hospitality.

### Transformation and Metamorphosis

The peasants are physically transformed into frogs as a permanent punishment.

## Character check-ins

### Juno

Imperial Juno's rough commands forced Latona to flee.

### Jove

Jupiter consents to Latona's plea and transforms the peasants into frogs.

## Key lines

> Water I only ask, and sure 'tis hard / From Nature's common rights to be debarr'd

Latona pleads for water, arguing it is a basic right of nature that should not be denied.

_Highlights the theme of hospitality and natural rights._

> And may you live,' she passionately cried, 'Doom'd in that pool for ever to abide.'

Latona curses the peasants to live forever in the pool.

_The curse leads directly to their transformation into frogs._

## Links

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