Metamorphoses · Chapter
Building of Troy explained
Apollo and Neptune, disguised as mortals, build the walls of Troy for King Laomedon, who refuses to pay them.
What happens
Apollo and Neptune, disguised as mortals, build the walls of Troy for King Laomedon, who refuses to pay them. In retaliation, Neptune floods the land and sends a sea monster. Hercules saves the king's daughter from the monster but is also cheated of his reward, leading him to besiege and sack Troy.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Telethusa’s de…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Divine Power and Human Folly
Apollo and Neptune's wrath against Laomedon's deceit demonstrates the consequences of defying the gods.
- Violence and Revenge
Neptune's flood and sea monster, followed by Hercules' sack of Troy, illustrate cycles of vengeance.
Characters to notice
- Apollo
Disguises himself as a mortal to build Troy's walls; later seeks revenge on Laomedon.
- Neptune
Assists Apollo in building the walls; floods the Phrygian plain and sends a sea monster after being cheated.
- Hercules
Saves Laomedon's daughter from the sea monster but is denied his reward; later sacks Troy.
- Jove
Mentioned as Panomphaean Jove, to whom an altar stands near Hellespont.
Key passages
“The work was built, the king their price denies, And his injustice backs with perjuries”
After the walls were completed, King Laomedon refused to pay the agreed price and broke his oath.
Highlights Laomedon's betrayal leading to divine punishment.
“He, in revenge, the new-built walls attack'd, And the twice-perjured city bravely sack'd.”
Hercules, seeking revenge for being cheated, attacked and plundered the newly built city of Troy.
Shows Hercules' role in punishing Laomedon's repeated deceit.
