Change In Ovid's Metamorphoses

The overarching theme in Ovid’s Metamorphoses is change, or "forms transformed to bodies new and strange" (Book 1, “Invocation”). Change is observed throughout Ovid’s narratives, particularly in his account of “Calisto and Jupiter.” This myth also asserts cosmological origin and explores the psychological complexity of gender in ancient Roman culture. As Jupiter surveys the damage done by Phaethon he spots a captivating nymph, Calisto, who is a follower of Diana. Knowing this, Jupiter disguises himself as Diana and takes advantage of Calisto. Consequently, Calisto is impregnated and is ultimately banished by Diana. Infuriated at the birth of Calisto’s son, Arcas, Juno transforms Calisto into a bear. A few years later Arcas is hunting in the woods and finds, unbeknownst to him, Calisto in bear form and tries to kill her. The resolution of Calisto’s demise occurs when Jupiter “saves the day” and prevents Arcas from killing his own mother. Jupiter intervenes and “in a mighty wind...upbore them to the dome of starry heaven and fixed them, Constellations, bright amid the starry host” (Book 2, “Calisto and Jupiter”).

Being born shortly after an abysmal civil war, during the initial establishment of the Roman Empire, Ovid had many sources of change to inspire his muse. Ovid represents the new Augustan age and the changes his new empire brings to Rome. One way he communicates this is through “Calisto and Jupiter.” Jupiter himself transforms into Diana in order to trick Calisto and an irate Juno transforms Calisto, as a consequence of Jupiter’s actions, into a bear. Finally, Calisto and her son are metamorphosed into constellations, their legend immortalized in the night