The Greatest Love Stories from Ovid’s Metamorphoses
Online Latin Literature Course | February 14 – April 4, 2025
Omnia mutantur, nihil interit. With these words, Ovid summarises one of the key concepts of his Metamorphoses, the poem that recounts the most fascinating myths of antiquity through the thread of change.
This course explores the enchanting love stories from Metamorphoses: Daphne’s desperate escape and her transformation into a laurel tree; Narcissus falling in love with his own reflection and Echo reduced to a disembodied voice; the tragic fate of Pyramus and Thisbe, whose love stains the mulberries red; Salmacis’ unyielding passion for Hermaphroditus, merging them into one being; the devoted couple Philemon and Baucis, united forever as trees; Pygmalion’s deep love for the statue he carves, brought to life by his intense desire; Venus’ deep affection for Adonis, turned into a delicate anemone after his untimely death; and the ghost of Ceyx reaching his beloved Alcyone, with both transformed into birds.
Through readings in Latin, students will immerse themselves in the original verses, appreciating their beauty and meaning. Detailed explanations and annotations in Latin will provide tools to interpret and teach these timeless literary gems in a creative and engaging way, connecting the Latin texts with their most celebrated artistic interpretations.
Program schedule
Topic | |
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I. Daphne and Apollo
Friday, 14 February, h. 18:00-19:15 CET Booklet (1) Quiz (1)
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II. Echo and Narcissus
Friday, 21st February, h. 18:00-19:15 CET Booklet (2) Quiz (2) |
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III. Pyramus and Thisbe
Friday, 28th February, h. 18:00-19:15 CET Booklet (3) Quiz (3) |
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IV. Salmacis and Hermaphroditus
Friday, 7th March, h. 18:00-19:15 CET Booklet (4) Quiz (4) |
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V. Philemon and Baucis
Friday, 14th March, h. 18:00-19:15 CET Booklet (5) Quiz (5) |
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VI. Pygmalion and Galatea
Friday 21st March, h. 18:00-19:15 CET Booklet (6) Quiz (6) |
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VII. Venus and Adonis
Friday 28th March, h. 18:00-19:15 CET Booklet (7) Quiz (7) |
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VIII. Ceyx and Alcyone
Friday, 4th April, h. 18:00-19:15 CET
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