Metamorphoses · Chapter
Story of Arethusa explained
The nymph Arethusa, a follower of Diana, is pursued by the river god Alpheus.
What happens
The nymph Arethusa, a follower of Diana, is pursued by the river god Alpheus. She flees across many lands, and when about to be caught, she prays to Diana for help. Diana transforms her into a fountain, and Alpheus, still enamored, tries to mingle his streams with hers. Diana cleaves the ground, allowing Arethusa to flow as a separate current to Ortygia. The chapter then transitions to Ceres giving her chariot and grain to Triptolemus.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Metamorphosis
Arethusa is transformed into a fountain by Diana to escape Alpheus's pursuit.
Love and Desire
Alpheus's relentless pursuit of Arethusa is driven by his enamored desire.
Characters to notice
- Arethusa
The nymph who is transformed into a fountain to escape the river god Alpheus.
- Diana
Goddess who protects Arethusa by transforming her into a fountain and later cleaving the ground to separate her from Alpheus.
- Ceres
Goddess who takes her golden car and gives grain to Triptolemus at the end of the chapter.
Key passages
“My form was changed, and all my substance new: Each motion was a stream, and my whole frame Turn'd to a fount, which still preserves my name.”
My body transformed entirely into a flowing fountain, which still bears my name.
Describes Arethusa's metamorphosis into a spring.
“Help me, Diana, help a nymph forlorn, Devoted to the woods, who long has worn Thy livery, and long thy quiver borne.”
Save me, Diana, your devoted follower who has long served you in the forest.
Arethusa's plea for divine assistance.