Greek myths are of particular interest for research as they raise various topics relevant to modern society. One of these stories is the story of Apollo and Daphne, told by Ovid. The author masterfully tells the dramatic story of unrequited love and Cupid’s revenge. This work pays special attention to how the characteristic pattern of Ovid’s Metamorphoses is reflected in the poem. Moreover, the research will investigate which characteristic patterns the story of Daphne illustrates.
First of all, it is necessary to gain an understanding of what the poem about Apollo and Daphne tells about. Thus, the author tells about one of the most tragic topics concerning human relations. Apollo was one of the most potent Gods; however, he could not resist the power of Cupid. Daphne was the only girl that Apollo really loved, but it is all at the mercy of Cupid, who shot his arrows and “and at once he loved, and she at once fled from the name of lover” (Ovid 17). The main problem was that the girl was sworn to remain a virgin, so she rejected the feelings of any man. Nevertheless, Apollo started chasing Daphne, and when he finally caught her, she turned into a laurel tree.
It is necessary to consider aspects of the story that are significant for works created by Ovid. Hence, even though the poem is based on a Greek myth, several innovative aspects are introduced by the author. One of them is the fact that Ovid made Cupid the main reason for Daphne’s dislike of Apollo. Moreover, he gave the girl the opportunity to escape, which was not used by other authors and by the myth itself. Another aspect is the masterful balancing of the relationships between the characters and the meanings hidden in them. So, against the background of the rather playful interaction between Cupid and Apollo, the author reveals the complex psychological aspects of God’s love for a girl.
Further, one of the patterns in the history of Daphne is the illustration of the conflict between the divine and the human. God, who once fell in love with an innocent virgin, got used to getting what he wanted. However, Daphne’s strong opposition to solid feelings leads to the peak of the conflict and the transformation of the girl into a laurel tree. At the same time, despite the loss, Apollo declares, “Since you can never be my bride, my tree at least you shall be!” (Ovid 20). Another conflict raised in history is the lust and rejection confrontation. The power of feelings possessed by one of the most muscular Gods turns him into a predator who hunts for his prey, Daphne. The tension in the poem, which increases more and more every time, leads to a tragic climax that does not bring happiness to any of the main protagonists.
In conclusion, the poem about Apollo and Daphne raises various conflicts that are necessary for research. Thus, they contribute to a greater understanding of the concepts that the author of the work wanted to reveal. So, based on the Greek myth, Ovid provided a new perspective on the story of love and rejection, divine and human. By the will of Cupid, God falls in love with an innocent girl, and this love turns into a predator’s hunt for prey.
Works Cited
Ovid. Metamorphoses. Translated by Rolfe Humphries. Indiana University Press, 1960.