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Metamorphoses · Chapter

Pythagorean Philosophy explained

Pythagoras delivers a philosophical discourse on the immortality of the soul, the sinfulness of eating meat, and the perpetual flux of all things.

What happens

Pythagoras delivers a philosophical discourse on the immortality of the soul, the sinfulness of eating meat, and the perpetual flux of all things. He argues that death is merely a change of form, that the soul transmigrates between bodies, and that nature is in constant transformation. He condemns bloodshed and animal sacrifice, advocating for a vegetarian diet, and illustrates cosmic change through examples of shifting landscapes, rivers, and elements.

Themes in this chapter

  • Transformation and Metamorphosis

    Central to the chapter: Pythagoras argues that all things are in perpetual flux, with forms changing while the soul remains constant, exemplified by elemental transformations and geographical shifts.

  • Mortality and Immortality

    Pythagoras redefines death as a mere change of form, asserting the immortality of the soul and its journey through different bodies, challenging conventional fear of death.

Characters to notice

  • Hercules

    Mentioned in the context of the Centaurs washing their wounds in the Anigros river, making its waters brackish.

  • Neptune

    Cited as the god who poured in the conquering sea to separate Zancle from the Italian shore.

Key passages

  • “Nor dies the spirit, but new life repeats In other forms, and only changes seats.”

    The spirit does not die; it is reborn in new forms and merely changes its dwelling place.

    Pythagoras explains the doctrine of metempsychosis, the transmigration of souls.

  • “Thus all things are but alter'd, nothing dies; And here and there the unbodied spirit flies...”

    Everything changes, but nothing truly perishes; the soul moves from place to place.

    Reinforces the theme of transformation and the immortality of the soul.

  • “Oh mortals, from your fellows' blood abstain, Nor taint your bodies with a food profane.”

    Mortals, do not eat the flesh of other beings, as it is a sinful act.

    Pythagoras advocates for vegetarianism, arguing against the consumption of meat.

  • “What else is this, but to devour our guests, And barb'rously renew cyclopean feasts!”

    Eating meat is like cannibalism, reviving the savage feasts of the Cyclopes.

    He equates meat-eating with barbarism and a violation of natural law.

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