# Story of Alcithoe and Her Sisters explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Alcithoe and her sisters defy Bacchus by ridiculing his rites and continuing their weaving during his festival. While others worship the god, they stay home, working at their looms. To pass the time, one sister proposes they each tell a story, and she begins with the tale of the mulberry tree stained with blood.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Power and Human Folly

Alcithoe and her sisters foolishly defy Bacchus, ignoring the fates of Lycurgus and Pentheus, setting the stage for divine retribution.

### Art and Creativity

The sisters engage in weaving and storytelling as acts of creative defiance, using their craft to pass the time and assert their independence.

## Character check-ins

### Bacchus

The god whose rites are scorned by Alcithoe and her sisters; described as doubly born, eternally youthful, and victorious over Lycurgus and Pentheus.

### Pentheus

Mentioned as a previous victim of Bacchus's vengeance, serving as a warning to the sisters.

## Key lines

> Yet still Alcithoe perverse remains, And Bacchus still and all his rites disdains.

Alcithoe stubbornly continues to reject Bacchus and his worship.

_Highlights her persistent defiance despite the warning of Pentheus's fate._

> While others idly rove, and gods revere, Their fancied gods! they know not who or where; Let us, whom Pallas taught her better arts, Still working, cheer with mirthful chat our hearts;

While others wander and worship imaginary gods, we, taught by Pallas, should keep working and entertain ourselves with conversation.

_The sister rationalizes their refusal to participate in the Bacchic rites by appealing to Minerva's patronage of crafts._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/story-of-alcithoe-and-her-sisters
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters