# Transformation of Battus to a Touchstone explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/transformation-of-battus-to-a-touchstone
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