# Vertumnus — Metamorphoses character guide

> Vertumnus in Metamorphoses by Ovid.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the bright Vertumnus

**First appearance:** 0148-story-of-vertumnus-and-pomona

## Snapshot

The shape-shifting god of seasons and gardens, he woos the orchard nymph Pomona through disguises and a cautionary tale about love refused.

## Who they are

Vertumnus is a versatile deity who can take any form, yet his pursuit of Pomona requires patience rather than force. Adopting the guise of an old woman, he pleads his case through the story of Iphis and the pitiless Anaxarete, warning that disdain can harden a heart to stone. His eventual revelation of true form and Pomona's yielding close a rare Ovidian romance where persuasion, not violence, wins the day.

## In the story

### [Book XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/book-xiv)

The god who pursues Pomona in various disguises, including as an old woman, to win her love.

### [Story of Vertumnus and Pomona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/story-of-vertumnus-and-pomona)

The god of seasons who pursues Pomona in various disguises, finally as an old woman to plead his love.

### [Story of Iphis and Anaxarete](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/story-of-iphis-and-anaxarete)

Disguises himself as an old woman to counsel Pomona, then reveals his true radiant form to win her love.

## Links

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