Metamorphoses

Metamorphoses is a narrative poem written by the ancient Roman poet Ovid completed in AD 8. The work is a collection of myths and legends from Greek and Roman mythology told in a chronological sequence from the creation of the world to the deification of Julius Caesar. The title Metamorphoses refers to the central theme of the work which is transformation. Ovids poems explore the ways in which gods and mortals can transform into different beings objects or natural phenomena. The poem covers a wide range of subjects including the origins of the universe the creation of man the deeds of various gods and heroes and the stories of famous lovers. One of the most famous stories in the Metamorphoses is the myth of Echo and Narcissus which tells the story of the nymph Echo who falls in love with Narcissus a handsome youth who is in love with his own reflection. Other famous stories include the tales of Apollo and Daphne Pygmalion and Galatea and the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. The Metamorphoses has had a profound impact on Western literature inspiring writers such as Dante Shakespeare and Milton. The poems themes of transformation love and mythology continue to resonate with readers today making it one of the most enduring works of classical literature.