# Transformation of Io Into a Heifer, and the Eyes of Argus Into a Peacock’s Train explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## What happens

Jove transforms Io into a heifer to hide her from Juno, but Juno suspects and secures the heifer under the watch of Argus. Mercury, sent by Jove, lulls Argus to sleep and kills him, and Juno places Argus's eyes on the peacock's tail. Io wanders in torment until she reaches Egypt, where she is restored to human form and worshipped as a goddess.

## Themes in this chapter

### Transformation and Metamorphosis

Io is transformed into a heifer by Jove; later, Argus's eyes are transformed into the peacock's tail feathers.

### Divine Power and Human Folly

Jove's divine power enables him to transform Io and command Mercury, while Juno's jealousy drives the persecution of an innocent mortal.

### Love and Desire

Jove's desire for Io leads to her transformation and suffering, highlighting the destructive consequences of divine lust.

## Character check-ins

### Jove

Transforms Io into a heifer to conceal his affair from Juno, then sends Mercury to kill Argus and free Io.

### Juno

Jealous of Jove's attention to Io, she secures the heifer and sets Argus as guard; later places Argus's eyes on the peacock's tail.

### Io

Daughter of Inachus, transformed into a heifer by Jove, guarded by Argus, and eventually restored in Egypt.

### Mercury

Sent by Jove to kill Argus; uses a pipe and storytelling to lull Argus to sleep before striking.

### Argus

The hundred-eyed guardian set by Juno to watch Io; killed by Mercury while asleep.

### Inachus

Io's father, a river god who mourns his daughter and fails to recognize her in her bovine form.

## Key lines

> The head of Argus (as with stars the skies) Was compass'd round, and wore a hundred eyes: But two by turns their lids in slumber steep; The rest on duty still their station keep; Nor could the total constellation sleep.

Argus's head was encircled by a hundred eyes, like stars in the sky; only two eyes slept at a time, while the others remained watchful, so he never fully slept.

_Describes Argus's perpetual vigilance, which Mercury must overcome._

> She would have told her name, and ask'd relief, But wanting words, in tears she tells her grief; Which, with her foot she makes him understand, And prints the name of Io in the sand.

Io wanted to speak her name and beg for help, but without a human voice, she wept and traced 'Io' in the sand with her hoof.

_Illustrates Io's tragic loss of speech and her desperate attempt to communicate with her father._

## Links

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