"A poem needs understanding through the senses. The point of diving in a lake, is not immediately to swim to the shore, but to be in the lake. To luxuriate in the sensation of water. You do not work the lake out; it is an experience beyond thought. Poetry soothens and emboldens the soul to accept mystery."
-From the 2009 Jane Campion film, Bright Star
English Translations of Ovid's Metamorphoses
Ovid completed his poem The Metamorphoses in 8 C.E. (A.D.). It was popular with Ovid's Ancient Roman contemporaries and enjoyed a resurgence of popularity during the European Renaissance. It influenced writers and artists across Europe, including English writers such as Shakespeare. Through the centuries, many authors have translated all or part of the poem from Latin to English--below is a sampling of English translations.
17th-century translation by Samuel Garth, John Dryden, and others
Late 20th-century translation by A.S. Kline
Book I (Origins of the universe, Phaeton)
Book II (Phaeton continued)
Book III (Narcissus)
Book VIII (Baucis and Philemon, Erysichthon)
Book X (Orpheus and Eurydice, Myrrha)
Book XI (Midas, Alcyone and Ceyx)
Book XIV (Vertumnus and Pomona)
2004 translation by David Raeburn (hard copy on reserve for 24 hour checkout at Belk Library)
1994 translation by David Slavitt (hard copy on reserve for 24 hour checkout at Belk Library)
MYRRHA as translated by Charles Martin (pp. 352-359)
NOTE: Ovid did not actually include the story of
Eros and Psyche in his Metamorphoses