The Metamorphoses Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary and Philosophical References

  • Homer, the Iliad (13.162-381, 14.477). Ulysses's speech about his deeds in the Trojan War refers to many incidents from Homer's poem; it also includes details that were part of the later tradition and are not found in Homer's works.
  • Homer, the Odyssey (13.772-773, 14.70-74, 14.223-307)
  • Virgil, the Aeneid (14.75-81)
  • Pythagoras (15.75-478)

Historical References