Ovid: The Master of Love and Mythology, and a Bit of a Trouble Maker

Ovid, fully named Publius Ovidius Naso, was a Roman poet that lived in the the 1st century BCE. He is known for his works on love and mythology, specifically his infamous metamorphosis stories. However, there is more to Ovid than his literary contributions.

Early Life

Ovid was born in Sulmo, a small town in central Italy, in 43 BCE. His family was wealthy and privileged, which allowed him to have a proper education in Rome. Ovid’s father wanted him to pursue a career in law or politics, but Ovid had his sights set on poetry.

Ovid moved to Rome and became a popular poet amongst the elite. He quickly gained fame with his Amores, a series of poems about love and affairs. However, his popularity was short-lived.

The Trouble Maker

It didn’t take long for Ovid to stir the pot in Rome. His Ars Amatoria and Remedia Amoris were considered too explicit and scandalous, which led to him being exiled from Rome in 8 CE by Emperor Augustus himself.

There are several theories as to why Ovid was exiled. Some say he had an affair with Augustus’ daughter Julia, while others say his poetry was seen as a threat to morality and the Roman way of life. Whatever the reason, Ovid was banished to Tomis, a small city on the Black Sea coast, where he spent the rest of his life.

Metamorphoses

Ovid’s most famous work is the Metamorphoses, a collection of over 200 stories about Greek and Roman myths. The stories include tales of gods, goddesses, heroes, and mortals transforming into animals, trees, and other objects.

The Metamorphoses was so well received that it influenced countless works of art and literature throughout history. Even Shakespeare was a fan, referencing Ovid’s work in several of his plays.

Legacy

Ovid’s legacy is a complicated one. On one hand, he is considered one of the greatest poets of all time, with his works still being studied and appreciated to this day. On the other hand, he was a bit of a trouble maker and was exiled from Rome for his explicit poetry.

Regardless of his past, Ovid has made a lasting impact on literature and mythology. And as long as there are tales of love and transformation, his legacy will continue to live on.

Note: Ovid could not be reached for comment on this article, as he unfortunately passed away approximately 2000 years ago.