source materials
Preface to The Metamorphoses of Ovid translated by David R. Slavitt:
A brief, helpful introduction to Slavitt's translation of Ovid.
Note: While Ovid's Metamorphoses has been translated by numerous individuals, Slavitt's work was the source Mary Zimmerman employed in adapting Ovid's writing for the contemporary stage.
/uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/slavitt_preface_to_the_metamorphoses_of_ovid.pdf
A brief, helpful introduction to Slavitt's translation of Ovid.
Note: While Ovid's Metamorphoses has been translated by numerous individuals, Slavitt's work was the source Mary Zimmerman employed in adapting Ovid's writing for the contemporary stage.
/uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/slavitt_preface_to_the_metamorphoses_of_ovid.pdf
Introduction to Tales from Ovid translated by Ted Hughes:
A useful and concise introduction in which Hughes describes Ovid's interest in and writing of "Romanised Greek myth and legend." Is well-written, accessible, and captures major themes of Ovid's famous work.
/uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/ted_hughes_ovid_introduction.pdf
A useful and concise introduction in which Hughes describes Ovid's interest in and writing of "Romanised Greek myth and legend." Is well-written, accessible, and captures major themes of Ovid's famous work.
/uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/ted_hughes_ovid_introduction.pdf
Selected Myths from The Metamorphoses of Ovid translated by David R. Slavitt:
1. Creation of the World: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/creation_of_the_world.pdf
2. Phaeton: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/phaeton.pdf
3. Baucis & Philemon: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/baucis__philemon.pdf
4. Erysichthon:/uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/erysichthon.pdf
5. Orpheus & Eurydice: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/orpheus__eurydice.pdf
6. Myrrha & Cinyras:/uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/myrrha__cinyras_.pdf
7. Midas: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/midas.pdf
8. Ceyx & Alcyone: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/ceyx__alcyone.pdf
9. Pomona & Vertumnus: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/pomona__vertumnus_.pdf
10. Eros & Psyche: Note, the story of Eros and Psyche is not included in Ovid's Metamorphoses, but was written by Lucius Apuleius as the story of "Cupid and Psyche" in his collection, Metamorphoses, in the second century C.E. For more on the tale: http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/cupid.html
1. Creation of the World: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/creation_of_the_world.pdf
2. Phaeton: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/phaeton.pdf
3. Baucis & Philemon: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/baucis__philemon.pdf
4. Erysichthon:/uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/erysichthon.pdf
5. Orpheus & Eurydice: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/orpheus__eurydice.pdf
6. Myrrha & Cinyras:/uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/myrrha__cinyras_.pdf
7. Midas: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/midas.pdf
8. Ceyx & Alcyone: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/ceyx__alcyone.pdf
9. Pomona & Vertumnus: /uploads/2/0/1/5/20158077/pomona__vertumnus_.pdf
10. Eros & Psyche: Note, the story of Eros and Psyche is not included in Ovid's Metamorphoses, but was written by Lucius Apuleius as the story of "Cupid and Psyche" in his collection, Metamorphoses, in the second century C.E. For more on the tale: http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/cupid.html
For Understanding Brief References to Tantalus and Fates:
1. Fates: http://www.greekmythology.com/Other_Gods/The_Fates/the_fates.html
2.Tantanlus: His first crime was stealing Zeus's ambrosia, but second and ultimate offense is described in first paragraph of this site on the House of Atreus: http://www.classics.upenn.edu/myth/php/tragedy/index.php?page=atreus
Atalanta:
None for both her incredible beauty and speed, Atalanta fled marriage by racing her suitors. If they lost, they were instantly executed. Hyppomenes feel instantly in love with Atalanta and raced her to win her hand. With the hero of three golden apples, he was able to distract and slow Atalanta and won the race. She accepted him and they were wed.
For a longer description of the myth that is not included in Ovid's collection, check ou the following website. Note, however, that Hppomenes is given a different name in this version of Atalanta's story.
http://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Heroes/Atlanta/atlanta.html
Pandora:
Pandora was created by Zeus and her name means "gift of all." It was not "inherent wickedness" that led her to disobey Zeus and open the box that each of the gods had filled with ill and wicked plagues, but her unquenchable curiosity.
Summary: "As further revenge against Prometheus and the powers he has given man, Zeus creates a woman named Pandora. Zeus gives her a box and forbids her from opening it. He sends her down to earth, where her insatiable curiosity leads her to open the lid. Out fly plagues, sorrow, mischief, and all other misfortunes that can plague mankind. Horrified, Pandora attempts to shut the lid of the box, but it is too late. The only good element to fly out of the box is hope."
Narcissus:
For more on Narcissus:
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/metamorphoses/a/Narcissus.htm
1. Fates: http://www.greekmythology.com/Other_Gods/The_Fates/the_fates.html
2.Tantanlus: His first crime was stealing Zeus's ambrosia, but second and ultimate offense is described in first paragraph of this site on the House of Atreus: http://www.classics.upenn.edu/myth/php/tragedy/index.php?page=atreus
Atalanta:
None for both her incredible beauty and speed, Atalanta fled marriage by racing her suitors. If they lost, they were instantly executed. Hyppomenes feel instantly in love with Atalanta and raced her to win her hand. With the hero of three golden apples, he was able to distract and slow Atalanta and won the race. She accepted him and they were wed.
For a longer description of the myth that is not included in Ovid's collection, check ou the following website. Note, however, that Hppomenes is given a different name in this version of Atalanta's story.
http://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Heroes/Atlanta/atlanta.html
Pandora:
Pandora was created by Zeus and her name means "gift of all." It was not "inherent wickedness" that led her to disobey Zeus and open the box that each of the gods had filled with ill and wicked plagues, but her unquenchable curiosity.
Summary: "As further revenge against Prometheus and the powers he has given man, Zeus creates a woman named Pandora. Zeus gives her a box and forbids her from opening it. He sends her down to earth, where her insatiable curiosity leads her to open the lid. Out fly plagues, sorrow, mischief, and all other misfortunes that can plague mankind. Horrified, Pandora attempts to shut the lid of the box, but it is too late. The only good element to fly out of the box is hope."
Narcissus:
For more on Narcissus:
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/metamorphoses/a/Narcissus.htm