# Galatea — Metamorphoses character guide

> Galatea in Metamorphoses by Ovid.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Galatea Galatea

**First appearance:** 0132-story-of-acis-polyphemus-and-galatea

## Snapshot

A sea nymph whose love for the mortal Acis is shadowed by the monstrous Cyclops Polyphemus, forcing her to witness desire turn to destruction.

## Who they are

Galatea moves between the sea's freedom and the land where Polyphemus pursues her with unwanted, overwhelming devotion. Her preference for the gentle Acis over the brutish Cyclops dramatizes the clash between tender and tyrannical love that runs through Ovid's tales. When violence overtakes her happiness, her grief becomes the catalyst for a transformation that preserves what she cherishes most.

## In the story

### [Perimele Turned Into an Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/perimele-turned-into-an-island)

Not directly present; the chapter is narrated by Achelous to Galatea.

### [Voyage of Aeneas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/voyage-of-aeneas)

A sea nymph who confides in Scylla about her sorrows from the Cyclops' love.

### [Story of Acis, Polyphemus, and Galatea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/story-of-acis-polyphemus-and-galatea)

Sea nymph who loves Acis and is pursued by Polyphemus; she transforms Acis into a river after his death.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/characters/galatea
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/characters