Metamorphosis in Relation to Love

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Metamorphosis is a key element in Greek mythology. The ability of the gods to change the shapes of others or themselves is well portrayed in several of the stories, including Baucis and Philemon, Ceyx and Alcyone, and Pometheus and Io. Metamorphosis was greatly used to deceive but what is most admirable is the use of metamorphosis in relation to love.

The first story of Baucis and Philemon began with the gods Jupiter and Mercury making their way to Phrygia out of boredom. Jupiter who was responsible for all guests seeking shelter in a strange land, decided he wanted to test the hospitality of the people of Phrygia. Jupiter and Mercury disguised themselves as poor wayfarers and wandered through the land, knocking at several hundred doors. To their dismay they were turned away by all of the people except for one poor elderly couple named Bacius and Philemon. The gods were so pleased with the elderly couples hospitality, that the gods turned the couples meager home into a white pillared temple. The gods also granted the couples one wish to "never live alone" and "die togeth...

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