# Transformation of Daedalion explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Daedalion, grieving the death of his daughter Chione, throws himself from Mount Parnassus and is transformed into a hawk by Apollo. The chapter also recounts Peleus seeking refuge with King Ceyx after accidentally killing his brother, and Ceyx shares the story of his brother Daedalion's transformation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Transformation and Metamorphosis

Daedalion is transformed into a hawk by Apollo as a result of his grief and attempted suicide.

### Divine Power and Human Folly

Chione's pride in comparing herself to Diana leads to her death, and Daedalion's excessive grief leads to his transformation.

### Violence and Revenge

Diana kills Chione for her taunts, and Daedalion becomes a predator of other birds.

## Character check-ins

### Apollo

Phoebus, father of Philammon, transforms Daedalion into a hawk.

### Mercury

Father of Autolycus by Chione.

### Ceyx

King of Trachinia, brother of Daedalion, tells the story of his brother's transformation.

### Peleus

Seeks refuge with Ceyx after accidentally killing his brother.

### Diana

Goddess who kills Chione for her pride.

## Key lines

> Daedalion is so much afflicted at the death of his daughter Chione, that he throws himself from Mount Parnassus, and is changed into a hawk by Apollo.

Daedalion is so grief-stricken by his daughter Chione's death that he leaps off Mount Parnassus, and Apollo turns him into a hawk.

_Opening summary of the transformation._

> In vain, fond maid, you boast this double birth, The love of gods, and royal father's worth, And Jove among your ancestors rehearse! Could blessings such as these e'er prove a curse? To her they did, who with audacious pride, Vain of her own, Diana's charms decried.

Chione foolishly boasts about her divine lovers and noble lineage, but her pride leads to her downfall when she insults Diana's beauty.

_Chione's hubris and its consequences._

> Phoebus in pity changed him to a fowl, Whose crooked beak and claws the birds control, Little of bulk, but of a warlike soul. A hawk become, the feather'd race's foe, He tries to ease his own, by others' wo.

Apollo, taking pity on Daedalion, transforms him into a hawk, a small but fierce bird that preys on others, allowing him to vent his grief through aggression.

_Daedalion's transformation into a hawk._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/transformation-of-daedalion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters