Key Themes in Ovid's Metamorphoses and the Aeneid

These flashcards cover key terms, ideas, and episodes from Ovid's works, specifically focusing on themes from Metamorphoses and his version of Aeneid.

Orpheus and Eurydice

A tragic love story that highlights themes of loss and longing in Ovid's works.

Deification of Caesar

The elevation of Julius Caesar to divine status, depicted in the final episode of Metamorphoses.

Irreverence in Ovid

Ovid's critique of traditional heroic values and focus on the banal or marginal.

Centaurs vs. Lapiths (Centauromachy)

A mythological battle representing chaos versus civilization, featured in the Metamorphoses.

Galatea, Polyphemus, Acis

A love triangle story involving the Cyclops Polyphemus, captured with a comic twist by Ovid.

Scylla and Glaucus

A love triangle where Scylla is transformed into a monster by Circe after rejecting suitors.

Ovid's Dido Story

A retelling of Dido's tragic end when Aeneas leaves her, resulting in her suicide.

Aeneas’ Underworld Journey

A brief narrative that largely omits Rome's destiny, focusing on the Sibyl's story.

Ovid’s treatment of Circe

Ovid's version adds new layers to the myth of Circe, emphasizing love and revenge in her relationships.

War in Latium

Aeneas’ war is depicted with less glorification; focusing on Aeneas' transformation into the god Indiges.

Conclusions on Ovid's Aeneid

Ovid's narrative differs from Vergil's, emphasizing women's roles and personal relationships over destiny.