Story of Hippolytus explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Transformation and Metamorphosis

  Hippolytus is transformed from a mortal youth into the immortal god Virbius, with his features altered by Diana.

• Mortality and Immortality

  Hippolytus dies a violent death but is granted immortal life by Diana, highlighting the boundary between mortal and divine.

• Violence and Revenge

  Phaedra's false accusation and Theseus's curse lead to Hippolytus's brutal death, driven by revenge and betrayal.

Characters to notice

• Theseus

  Father of Hippolytus, who curses his son based on Phaedra's false accusation.

• Diana

  Goddess who restores Hippolytus to life, disguises him, and grants him immortality as Virbius.

• Pluto

  Ruler of the underworld, whose will is defied when Hippolytus is restored to life.

Key passages

• “Hippolytus, rejecting with horror the advances of his stepmother Phaedra, is accused by her of the guilt which he has refused to contract”

  Hippolytus refuses his stepmother Phaedra's advances, and she falsely accuses him of the crime she herself desired.

  Sets up the central conflict of the chapter.

• “The angry Theseus entreats Neptune to punish the incontinence of his son, and the innocent youth is thrown from his chariot and dashed to pieces”

  Theseus, enraged, calls upon Neptune to punish his son, resulting in Hippolytus being thrown from his chariot and killed.

  Describes the fatal consequence of Theseus's curse.

• “He is after ward restored to life by Diana, who disguises his features, and bestows on him immortal existence.”

  Diana later brings Hippolytus back to life, changes his appearance, and grants him immortality.

  Highlights the divine intervention and transformation.