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Metamorphoses · Chapter

Story of Aglauros Transformed Into a Statue explained

Mercury, smitten by Herse, seeks Aglauros's help to win her sister.

What happens

Mercury, smitten by Herse, seeks Aglauros's help to win her sister. Aglauros demands a bribe, angering Minerva, who commands Envy to torment her. Aglauros becomes consumed by jealousy, blocks Mercury's path, and is turned to stone.

Themes in this chapter

  • Divine Power and Human Folly

    Minerva's use of Envy to punish Aglauros demonstrates the gods' absolute power over mortals.

  • Transformation and Metamorphosis

    Aglauros is literally turned to stone as a direct consequence of her envy and greed.

  • Love and Desire

    Mercury's passionate pursuit of Herse drives the plot, though it leads to tragic outcomes.

Characters to notice

  • Mercury

    The god who falls in love with Herse and seeks Aglauros's aid.

  • Minerva

    Offended by Aglauros's greed, she commands Envy to torment her.

  • Aglauros

    The sister who demands payment for helping Mercury and is transformed into a statue.

  • Jove

    Mentioned as Mercury's father.

Key passages

  • “She never smiles but when the wretched weep, Nor lulls her malice with a moment's sleep; Restless in spite, while watchful to destroy, She pines and sickens at another's joy;”

    Envy only finds happiness in others' misery, never rests from her spite, and is tormented by the joy of others.

    Description of Envy's character.

  • “Then keep thy seat for ever, cries the god, And touch'd the door, wide opening to his rod.”

    Mercury tells Aglauros to remain seated forever, then opens the door with his wand.

    Mercury's curse that leads to Aglauros's petrification.

  • “But still her envious hue and sullen mien Are in 'he sedentary figure seen.”

    Even as a statue, Aglauros retains her jealous expression and gloomy demeanor.

    Final description of the transformed Aglauros.

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