# Story of Caeneus explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Nestor recounts the tale of Caeneus, originally the nymph Caenis, who was raped by Neptune and then granted her wish to be transformed into an invulnerable man. As Caeneus, he becomes a great warrior among the Greeks.

## Themes in this chapter

### Transformation and Metamorphosis

Caenis is transformed into a man, Caeneus, and granted invulnerability.

### Violence and Revenge

Neptune's rape of Caenis and her subsequent demand for a change of sex as recompense.

## Character check-ins

### Caeneus

Originally the nymph Caenis, transformed into an invulnerable man by Neptune after being raped.

### Neptune

The god who raped Caenis and later granted her wish to become a man.

### Nestor

The aged narrator who tells the story of Caeneus to Achilles and the others.

### Achilles

The listener who prompts Nestor to recount the tale of Caeneus.

## Key lines

> The nymph Caenis, having suffered violence from Neptune, prevails on her ravisher to change her sex, and make her in vulnerable.

After being raped by Neptune, the nymph Caenis persuades him to transform her into an invulnerable man.

_Opening summary of Caeneus's origin._

> Give me no more to suffer such a shame, But change the woman for a better name; One gift for all:

Caenis asks Neptune to turn her into a man so she can never be violated again.

_Caenis's request for transformation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/story-of-caeneus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters