Metamorphoses · Chapter
Transformation of Syrinx Into Reeds explained
The chapter recounts the story of Syrinx, a nymph who escapes the god Pan and is transformed into reeds, which Pan then fashions into a pipe.
What happens
The chapter recounts the story of Syrinx, a nymph who escapes the god Pan and is transformed into reeds, which Pan then fashions into a pipe. It also includes the tale of Argus's slaying by Hermes, Juno's revenge on Io, Io's restoration to human form, and the introduction of Phaeton's challenge to his divine parentage.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Metamorphosis
Syrinx is transformed into reeds, and Io is transformed into a heifer and later restored to human form.
Love and Desire
Pan's desire for Syrinx and Jove's desire for Io drive the transformations and conflicts.
Characters to notice
- Syrinx
A nymph of Arcadia who flees Pan and is transformed into reeds.
- Mercury
Hermes tells the story of Syrinx and later slays Argus.
- Jove
Jove intervenes to appease Juno and restore Io.
- Juno
Juno takes revenge on Io and later is appeased by Jove.
- Io
Io is transformed into a heifer, wanders, and is finally restored to human form.
Key passages
“Syrinx, a nymph of Arcadia, escapes from the solicitations of the god Pan, and is changed into a reed, called Syrinx, with which the god makes himself a pipe.”
The nymph Syrinx flees Pan's advances and is turned into a reed, which Pan uses to create a musical pipe.
This summarizes the central transformation of the chapter.
“He fills his arms with reeds, new rising on the place: And while he sighs, his ill success to find, The tender canes were shaken by the wind, And breathed a mournful air, unheard before, That, much surprising Pan, yet pleased him more.”
When Pan tries to embrace Syrinx, he finds only reeds growing where she stood; the wind through them makes a sad sound that delights him.
This describes the moment of transformation and the origin of the panpipes.