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Metamorphoses · Chapter

Transformation of Battus to a Touchstone explained

Mercury, having stolen Apollo's cattle, tests the loyalty of the shepherd Battus by offering a bribe.

What happens

Mercury, having stolen Apollo's cattle, tests the loyalty of the shepherd Battus by offering a bribe. Battus initially promises secrecy but later betrays the god for a greater reward. Mercury punishes his treachery by turning him into a touchstone, a lasting symbol of his infamy.

Themes in this chapter

  • Transformation and Metamorphosis

    Battus is transformed into a touchstone as a punishment for his betrayal.

  • Divine Power and Human Folly

    Mercury, a god, tests and punishes a mortal's deceit, demonstrating divine authority over human actions.

Characters to notice

  • Mercury

    The thievish god who steals Apollo's cattle and tests Battus's loyalty.

  • Apollo

    The god whose cattle are stolen; he is tending herds in Elis as punishment from Jove.

  • Battus

    A shepherd of Pylos who betrays Mercury's secret and is turned into a touchstone.

Key passages

  • “The crafty Hermes from the god convey'd A drove, that separate from their fellows stray'd.”

    Mercury cleverly stole a herd of cattle that had wandered away from the rest.

    Describes the theft of Apollo's cattle by Mercury.

  • “Then to a touchstone turns the faithless spy, And in his name records his infamy.”

    Mercury transforms the disloyal Battus into a touchstone, memorializing his treachery.

    The final punishment and transformation of Battus.

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