# Perimele Turned Into an Island explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

The river-god Achelous recounts how he forced the nymph Perimele, causing her father Hippodamas to cast her pregnant into the sea. Achelous appeals to Neptune, who transforms Perimele into an island, allowing the river-god to embrace her forever.

## Themes in this chapter

### Transformation and Metamorphosis

Perimele is transformed into an island by Neptune as an act of mercy, preserving her existence in a new form.

### Violence and Revenge

Perimele suffers violence from Achelous and is then cast into the sea by her father in a vengeful rage.

## Character check-ins

### Neptune

Moved by Achelous's plea, Neptune transforms Perimele into an island.

### Galatea

Not directly present; the chapter is narrated by Achelous to Galatea.

## Key lines

> I spread my waves beneath and broke the shock; And, as her swimming weight my stream convey'd, I sued for help divine, and thus I pray'd

Achelous cushioned Perimele's fall with his waters and then prayed to Neptune for aid.

_Achelous intervenes to save Perimele from immediate death and seeks divine assistance._

> But, hard'ning soon, while I her pulse explore, A crusting cased her stiff body o'er; And, as accretions of new-cleaving soil Enlarged the mass, the nymph became an isle.

Perimele's body gradually hardened and was covered with earth, transforming her into an island.

_The metamorphosis is described as a gradual, physical change from nymph to landmass._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/perimele-turned-into-an-island
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