Ovid
Ovid (43 BC - 17 AD) was a Roman poet, one of the greatest of the classical age and among the most influential on later European literature and art. His witty, inventive, and endlessly imaginative verse — above all his epic Metamorphoses — has inspired writers and artists from Shakespeare to the present day.
His masterpiece, the Metamorphoses, is a sweeping poem retelling hundreds of Greek and Roman myths, all linked by the theme of transformation — gods and mortals changing into animals, plants, and stars. He also wrote playful love poetry (the Amores and the Art of Love) and the Heroides, imagined letters from mythological heroines.
Ovid was hugely popular in Rome until the emperor Augustus abruptly exiled him to a bleak outpost on the Black Sea, where he spent his final years. His retellings became the main source through which later ages knew the classical myths.
His verse is vivid and playful. Our editions present it clearly for modern readers. Read the opening free, and read or listen with a membership.
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Frequently asked questions about Ovid
What did Ovid write?
Ovid's masterpiece is the Metamorphoses, an epic collection of mythological tales. He also wrote love poetry — the Amores and the Ars Amatoria (Art of Love) — the Heroides (imagined letters from mythological women), the Fasti (on the Roman calendar), and poems of lament from his exile. The Metamorphoses is his most famous and influential work.
What is the Metamorphoses about?
The Metamorphoses is a long narrative poem retelling around 250 Greek and Roman myths, connected by the recurring theme of transformation — humans and gods turning into animals, plants, stones, and constellations. It runs from the creation of the world to Ovid's own time, weaving together famous stories like Daphne and Apollo, Narcissus, and Midas. It is the single richest source of classical mythology in literature.
Why is Ovid so influential?
For centuries, the Metamorphoses was the main source through which European writers and artists knew the classical myths, shaping the work of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, and countless painters. Ovid's wit, psychological insight, and storytelling made the myths vivid and human. His influence on Western art and literature is immense.
Where should I start with Ovid?
The Metamorphoses is his essential work, and its famous individual myths — Daphne, Narcissus, Pygmalion, Icarus — are gripping and can be read on their own. His love poetry is witty and accessible if you'd like something lighter. Start with the great myths of the Metamorphoses.
Is Ovid hard to read?
His storytelling is lively, witty, and full of memorable characters, which makes him more entertaining than many classical poets. The main barriers are unfamiliar myths and older verse translations. A clear modern edition brings out the charm and drama of his tales.
When did Ovid live?
Ovid lived from 43 BC to around 17 AD, during the reign of the emperor Augustus. He was a celebrated poet in Rome until Augustus exiled him to the remote Black Sea coast around 8 AD, for reasons that remain mysterious. He died in exile, having produced some of the most influential poetry of the ancient world.
Where can I read Ovid for free?
Ovid's works are in the public domain, and older translations are freely available. Many are in dense verse. Here you can read the opening free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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