Metamorphoses · Chapter
Prophecy of Themis explained
Themis delivers a prophecy foretelling the tragic events of the Theban war, including the deaths of Capaneus and the guilty brothers, the fate of the bard, and the cycle of violence and redemption involving Callirhoe's sons.
What happens
Themis delivers a prophecy foretelling the tragic events of the Theban war, including the deaths of Capaneus and the guilty brothers, the fate of the bard, and the cycle of violence and redemption involving Callirhoe's sons.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Prophecy
Themis's prophecy dictates the course of the Theban war and its aftermath, emphasizing the inescapable nature of fate.
Violence and Revenge
The prophecy details mutual fratricide, a son killing his parents, and a wife's fatal plea, highlighting cycles of violence.
Characters to notice
- Jove
Jove is invoked as the one who will grant youth to Callirhoe's sons.
Key passages
“Thebes is embroil'd in war. Capaneus stands Invincible, but by the Thunderer's hands.”
Thebes is engulfed in war; Capaneus is invincible except against Jove's thunderbolts.
Foretells Capaneus's death by Jupiter's lightning.
“Ambition shall the guilty brothers fire, Both rush to mutual wounds, and both expire.”
Ambition will drive the guilty brothers to fight each other, and both will die from their mutual wounds.
Predicts the fratricidal duel of Eteocles and Polynices.
“The son shall bathe his hands in parents' blood, And in one act be both unjust and good.”
The son will kill his parents, an act that is both wicked and righteous.
Refers to Alcmaeon's murder of his mother Eriphyle, which is both a crime and a duty.
“Jove shall with youth her infant sons inspire, And bid their bosoms glow with manly fire.”
Jove will grant youthful vigor to Callirhoe's infant sons, filling them with adult courage.
Describes the rejuvenation of Callirhoe's sons by Jupiter.