Reading Notes: Ovid's Metamorphoses (Books 1-4), Part B

(Narcissus, illustrated by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571–1610), taken from Wikimedia Commons)

Explore Tiresias' POV on matters such as Zeus and Juno's disputes and Narcissus' fate? As one who has lived as both sexes and was gifted prophetic powers, this could make some good storytelling material.

Echo distracted Juno from the other nymphs' lovemaking with Zeus by holding her in long conversations, before being cursed to only repeat what others have said. Has she never thought for herself before? What's it like living only able to repeat others?

What if the lion in the tale of Pyramus and Thisbe wasn't malevolent? What if he just happened to be a non-violent sort and witnessed the tragedy unfold, unwillingly being the one who caused it? Explore the lion's POV on this tragedy?

Atlas was just minding his own business when Perseus came to his garden boasting his lineage in hope that it would land him favor, turning Atlas to stone upon his disagreement. Atlas' POV is glanced over, maybe expand his character?

Come to think of it, Perseus is kind of an asshole: constantly brags about his lineage and accomplishments, feels entitled because of them, and strikes down Atlas and Medusa without second thought.

Medusa POV expansion? She isn't explored much outside of her confrontation with Perseus and her brief backstory as an unwilling lover of the god Neptune, cursed by Athena in turn, given snakes that replace her formerly glorious hair that numb people with fear so much that hey turn to stone.

The gods have absolutely chaotic romance and sex lives. Zeus and Juno, Mars and Venus, Neptune and the woman who would become Medusa... Perhaps Tiresias has some musings on these matters as well?

What if Narcissus were so obsessed with himself not out of uncontrollable admiration, but out of feeling he can only trust himself? This could also serve well for turning Narcissus and Echo's story into a more fleshed out relationship.

Bibliography

Ovid's Metamorphoses, Reading B in Books 1-4, Translated into English by Tony Kline