# Pythagorean Philosophy explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/pythagorean-philosophy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters