Metamorphoses · Chapter
Skirmish Between the Centaurs and Lapithites explained
At the wedding of Pirithous and Hippodamia, the centaur guests, inflamed by wine and beauty, attempt to abduct the bride.
What happens
At the wedding of Pirithous and Hippodamia, the centaur guests, inflamed by wine and beauty, attempt to abduct the bride. A brutal battle ensues between the Lapiths and the centaurs, with Theseus, Pirithous, and others fighting fiercely. The conflict results in numerous deaths and gruesome injuries, ending with the centaurs defeated.
Themes in this chapter
Violence and Revenge
The entire chapter is a brutal battle fueled by revenge for the attempted abduction, with graphic descriptions of killing and mutilation.
Love and Desire
The centaur Eurytus's lust for the bride Hippodamia triggers the conflict, highlighting destructive desire.
Fate and Prophecy
The augur Astylos's warnings are ignored, and Nessus is reminded that his death is fated by Hercules' bow, underscoring inescapable destiny.
Characters to notice
- Theseus
Leads the defense of the bride, kills several centaurs, and fights alongside Pirithous.
- Hercules
Mentioned as 'great Alcides' whose bow is destined to kill Nessus; his arms are used in the battle.
- Achilles
Referenced as the son of Peleus, whose father's squire Crantor is killed in the fight.
- Perseus
Narrator of the battle, present at the wedding and actively fighting the centaurs.
Key passages
“One, most brutal of the brutal brood, Or whether wine or beauty fired his blood, Or both at once, beheld with joyful eyes The bride, at once resolved to make his prize.”
The most savage centaur, driven by wine or lust or both, saw the bride and decided to seize her.
Describes the centaur Eurytus's motivation for the attack.
“The cave resounds with female shrieks; we rise, Mad with revenge, to make a swift reprise.”
The cave echoed with women's screams as the Lapiths rose in fury to retaliate.
Shows the immediate response to the centaur assault.
“So by their fellows may our foes be sped.”
May our enemies meet the same fate from their own comrades.
Rhaetus's taunt after killing a centaur with a burning brand.