Metamorphoses · Chapter
Story of the Pierides explained
The daughters of Pierus challenge the Muses to a musical contest, but after their defeat they are transformed into magpies as punishment for their arrogance.
What happens
The daughters of Pierus challenge the Muses to a musical contest, but after their defeat they are transformed into magpies as punishment for their arrogance.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Power and Human Folly
The Pierides' pride leads them to challenge the Muses, resulting in their transformation into magpies as a divine punishment.
Transformation and Metamorphosis
The defeated Pierides are turned into magpies, a literal metamorphosis that underscores the consequences of hubris.
Characters to notice
- Terpsichore
One of the Muses who recounts the story of the Pierides' challenge and transformation.
Key passages
“These, foil'd by us, by us were thus repaid: These did Evippe of Paeonia bring, With nine hard labour-pangs, to Pella's king.”
These women, defeated by us, were punished accordingly: Evippe of Paeonia bore them after nine difficult labors to the king of Pella.
The Muse explains the origin and fate of the Pierides.
“The foolish virgins, of their number proud, And puff'd with praises of the senseless crowd, Through all Achaia and the Aemonian plains, Defied us thus, to match their artless strains”
The foolish maidens, proud of their number and swollen with the crowd's empty praise, challenged us across Achaia and the Aemonian plains to compete with their crude songs.
The Muse describes the Pierides' arrogant challenge.