# Story of the Pierides explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Terpsichore

One of the Muses who recounts the story of the Pierides' challenge and transformation.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

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