Metamorphoses in Greek mythology

Metamorphoses in Greek mythology are stories in which subjects undergo physical transformation through divine intervention, sorcery, or spells. Such changes often affect mortals as punishment or reward, while gods may alter their own forms to test or deceive people. Transformations include changes between humans, animals, plants, objects, sexes, and constellations. Ovid's Roman epic Metamorphoses is the fullest surviving ancient work on transformation in Greek myth.

Common causes

Divine intervention, sorcery, and spells

Role in stories

Punishment, reward, testing, or deception

Major surviving work

Ovid's Metamorphoses