OTP: Lesson - Reading Ovid in Translation

Image: an illustration from the story of Deucalion and PyrrhaReading Ovid in Translation

To get a good sense of how Ovid wrote, and in particular, his style in Metamorphoses, we are going to read Book 1 of this most famous collection of poetry. The image to the right is a 16th century illustration for the story of Deucalion and Pyrrha, painted by Antonio Tempesta. There are many parallels in Ovid's poetry to the traditions of other cultures, including Greek and Hebrew traditions. In this story, a pair of pious humans is spared from a great flood, then repopulate the earth by casting stones over their backs. Stories of great floods were common in other ancient cultures as well: the Hebrew tradition has Noah and his ark, while the Mesopotamian tradition has the flood from The Epic of Gilgamesh. Ovid is reporting a version of this myth that came from the Greek tradition. As you read Ovid's poetry in translation, think about connections to other stories you may be familiar with from other cultures.

Download Handouts

If you have not already, please download the Translation of Metamorphoses, Book 1 (follows audio book) Links to an external site.. This will be our main resource in gathering basic information about the structure, style, form and function of Ovid's writing. Be sure to contact your instructor for any additional help with the content.

Alternative translation: you may find the above version a bit difficult to read, as it uses a poetic formula - the translator attempted to match Ovid's poetry with their own English version. The reason that version was selected is because it matches up with the audio version included below. If you are simply wanting to read the translation, and would rather read it in a format that more closely follows prose standards, please download this alternative translation Links to an external site..

Finally, download the Ovid English Reading Log Links to an external site. document to provide you with some guided note-taking questions.

Audio Version

Ovid - Metamorphoses, Book 1 (LibriVox Recordings based on the translation of Brookes More)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3