Overview
This lecture covers Book 6 of Ovid's Metamorphoses, focusing on stories of human arrogance toward the gods, divine punishment, and transformations, with a special emphasis on the myths of Arachne, Niobe, and the tragic tale of Procne and Philomela.
Arachne and Minerva (Athena)
- Arachne, a gifted weaver, refuses to attribute her skills to Minerva and challenges the goddess.
- Disguised as an old woman, Minerva warns Arachne to repent, but Arachne insists on a contest.
- Minerva and Arachne both weave tapestries; Minerva shows the power of gods, Arachne exposes their flaws.
- Minerva, angered by Arachne's skill and insolence, transforms her into a spider.
The Story of Niobe
- Niobe, proud of her children and lineage, refuses to honor Latona, mother of Apollo and Diana.
- Latona, offended, sends her children to kill all of Niobe’s sons and daughters.
- Niobe’s husband, Amphion, kills himself in grief.
- Niobe is turned to stone, but continues to weep eternally.
Latona and the Lycians
- Latona, seeking water for her children, is refused by Lycians, who muddy the water.
- Latona transforms them into frogs as punishment for their insolence.
Marsyas and Apollo
- Marsyas, a satyr, loses a music contest to Apollo and is brutally flayed alive as punishment.
- Marsyas’s blood creates a river named after him.
Procne, Tereus, and Philomela
- Procne marries Tereus, who later becomes infatuated with her sister Philomela.
- Tereus kidnaps and rapes Philomela, then cuts out her tongue to silence her.
- Philomela weaves the story of her abuse into a tapestry, revealing the truth to Procne.
- Procne, in revenge, kills her own son Itys and serves him as a meal to Tereus.
- All three are transformed into birds: Procne into a nightingale, Philomela into a swallow, and Tereus into a hoopoe.
Boreas and Orithyia
- Boreas, god of the north wind, abducts Orithyia when persuasion fails.
- Orithyia bears twin sons, Calais and Zetes, who later join the Argonauts.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Metamorphosis — a transformation, especially by supernatural means.
- Hubris — excessive pride or defiance toward the gods.
- Arachne — a mortal weaver changed into a spider for challenging Minerva.
- Niobe — queen punished for boasting about her children.
- Philomela — sister of Procne, silenced by Tereus, later transformed into a bird.
- Procne — wife of Tereus, avenges her sister by killing her son.
- Boreas — the personification of the north wind; abductor of Orithyia.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key myths for comprehension, focusing on cause and effect of transformations.
- Prepare to discuss themes of pride, punishment, and justice in upcoming sessions.