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Metamorphoses · Chapter

Story of Glaucus and Scylla explained

Glaucus, a mortal fisherman transformed into a sea god, falls in love with the nereid Scylla.

What happens

Glaucus, a mortal fisherman transformed into a sea god, falls in love with the nereid Scylla. He recounts his transformation and attempts to woo her, but Scylla, frightened by his hybrid form, flees. Rejected, Glaucus seeks the aid of the enchantress Circe.

Themes in this chapter

  • Transformation and Metamorphosis

    Glaucus's detailed account of his own metamorphosis from a mortal fisherman into a sea god is central to the chapter.

  • Love and Desire

    Glaucus's passionate but unrequited love for Scylla drives the narrative, highlighting the theme of desire and rejection.

Characters to notice

  • Glaucus

    A fisherman transformed into a sea god; recounts his metamorphosis and his unrequited love for Scylla.

  • Scylla

    A nereid who rejects Glaucus's advances and flees from him in fear.

  • Circe

    Mentioned as the destination Glaucus seeks after being spurned by Scylla.

Key passages

  • “Her, Glaucus saw, as o'er the deep he rode, New to the seas, and late received a god. He saw, and languish'd for the virgin's love.”

    Glaucus, newly made a sea god, saw Scylla and immediately fell in love with her.

    Introduces Glaucus's infatuation with Scylla.

  • “But what avails these useless honours now? What joys can immortality bestow? What, though our Nereids all my form approve? What boots it, while fair Scylla scorns my love?”

    Glaucus laments that his divine status and immortality are meaningless because Scylla rejects him.

    Highlights the theme of love and desire over divine power.

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