Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
Very rich telling, with lots of sideways references to other myths of Ovid's time. Loved how it often filled in parts of myths that weren't expounded upon in other major epics (e.g. Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid). A great balance between Callimachean and epic poetry.
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Metamorphoses by Ovid is a timeless and influential collection of mythological tales that masterfully explores themes of transformation, love, and the human condition. Ovid’s poetic skill is undeniable, weaving together stories of gods, mortals, and creatures that undergo fascinating changes, providing readers with both fantasy and deep reflections on life and identity. The variety of stories keeps the narrative fresh, and the exploration of transformation, both literal and metaphorical, resonates profoundly.
However, the text can be challenging for modern readers. The antiquated style and pacing may feel slow or disorienting, especially as the narrative shifts constantly between different characters and settings. For those unfamiliar with ancient mythology, the many references to gods and heroes can be difficult to follow, and some of the stories can feel repetitive or overly detailed. Additionally, while Ovid’s wit and creativity shine through, the tone can sometimes seem detached, reducing the emotional depth of the stories. The treatment of violence, punishment, and female characters may also be off-putting for contemporary sensibilities.
Ultimately, Metamorphoses is a foundational work in Western literature that offers both artistic brilliance and thought-provoking insights, but its style and themes can feel inaccessible or overwhelming to modern readers. Despite these challenges, I found it really enjoyable, especially when reading and comparing it to other works that it has inspired.
However, the text can be challenging for modern readers. The antiquated style and pacing may feel slow or disorienting, especially as the narrative shifts constantly between different characters and settings. For those unfamiliar with ancient mythology, the many references to gods and heroes can be difficult to follow, and some of the stories can feel repetitive or overly detailed. Additionally, while Ovid’s wit and creativity shine through, the tone can sometimes seem detached, reducing the emotional depth of the stories. The treatment of violence, punishment, and female characters may also be off-putting for contemporary sensibilities.
Ultimately, Metamorphoses is a foundational work in Western literature that offers both artistic brilliance and thought-provoking insights, but its style and themes can feel inaccessible or overwhelming to modern readers. Despite these challenges, I found it really enjoyable, especially when reading and comparing it to other works that it has inspired.
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
before reading this book i’ve been acquainted with a fair share of ancient greek and roman myths, so the text didn’t seem as hard to comprehend as it might have been
still, it was quite and endeavour, the last 4 books felt especially dense and i had to power through them (the goddamn trojan war almost took me out)
that aside, i was not familiar with ovid’s game! he a trans ally! he a sassy diva! he a pro-feminist? in a way? that’s a reach i guess
not a fan of endless unfamiliar names, had major struggles with them, footnotes helped with it a bit and in any case i believe i am the issue here
enjoyed the translation immensely, massive work was done
overall had lots of fun, surprised by the number of people turned into trees
still, it was quite and endeavour, the last 4 books felt especially dense and i had to power through them (the goddamn trojan war almost took me out)
that aside, i was not familiar with ovid’s game! he a trans ally! he a sassy diva! he a pro-feminist? in a way? that’s a reach i guess
not a fan of endless unfamiliar names, had major struggles with them, footnotes helped with it a bit and in any case i believe i am the issue here
enjoyed the translation immensely, massive work was done
overall had lots of fun, surprised by the number of people turned into trees
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, Gore, Rape, War
It just boring and repetitive, we get it…gods are assholes and change people into other animals.
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Second only to Homer's Iliad. Ovid's prose is so exquisitely magical, weaving many great tales around one wonderful theme. This epic is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to experience Greek mythology.
Fast, readable translation. I loved the nesting of the stories, but hated how Ovid cheapened the heroic epics. Dang Ovid.
I suspect a more modern translation would have addressed some oddities in the language at points. Otherwise, it is a nice collection of myth. The whole set of final sections about Rome are pretty dull, though, clearly tacked on to please the authorities of Ovid's time.