Transformations involve changes from one form or shape to another. There are many kinds of changes and include transformations from thing to human, thing to the animal, human o animal, animal to human, and human to a thing, and animal to thing. Other changes can be reversible, such as a change from human to animal then back to human. Also, there are times when such changes are partial hereby, the personal qualities and physical features of the earlier being are maintained but in a mutated form. The gods are responsible for such transformations that humans undergo.
What it Means to be Human in Ovid’s Metamorphoses
In the world of Ovid’s Metamorphoses, humans are considered to be different from animals by virtue of their stature and mental capabilities. Unlike animals, humans are upright and possess higher mental capabilities. To be human means that one is mentally superior and one can rule the rest of other animals. According to Ovid, thought is the only thing that differentiates man from animal. It is what makes a man what he is.
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Actions that are Consistently Punished and Rewarded
Despite the violence of the gods in Ovid, they are viewed as those who reward piety and punish wickedness. For example, the gods penalize Lycaon for trying to kill someone who was sleeping. In the same measure, they reward Minyas and Pyrra, who were pieties. At other times the gods punish individuals for failing to worship them. Other actions that were punishable include having an unyielding heart and boasting. Rewards are also offered to those who have a generous and hospitable heart.
It tells us that the gods are pleased with good deeds and angered by wicked ones. People who practice good deeds that come from their hearts are rewarded by the gods for such actions. However, punishments will always fall on those whose actions are wicked. It teaches us to do good to our fellow human beings because such actions are pleasant to the gods. Also, we should be wary of evil and wicked deeds, which can lead to punishments from the gods. It is, therefore, important to maintain clean thoughts which lead to good deeds to avoid the wrath of the gods.
