Metamorphoses · Chapter
Transformation of Battus to a Touchstone explained
Mercury, having stolen Apollo's cattle, tests the loyalty of the shepherd Battus by offering a bribe.
What happens
Mercury, having stolen Apollo's cattle, tests the loyalty of the shepherd Battus by offering a bribe. Battus initially promises secrecy but later betrays the god for a greater reward. Mercury punishes his treachery by turning him into a touchstone, a lasting symbol of his infamy.
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 Exposition.
- 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
- Transformation and Metamorphosis
Battus is transformed into a touchstone as a punishment for his betrayal.
- Divine Power and Human Folly
Mercury, a god, tests and punishes a mortal's deceit, demonstrating divine authority over human actions.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“The crafty Hermes from the god convey'd A drove, that separate from their fellows stray'd.”
Mercury cleverly stole a herd of cattle that had wandered away from the rest.
Describes the theft of Apollo's cattle by Mercury.
“Then to a touchstone turns the faithless spy, And in his name records his infamy.”
Mercury transforms the disloyal Battus into a touchstone, memorializing his treachery.
The final punishment and transformation of Battus.
