Jupiter In Ovid's Metamorphoses

The depiction of Jupiter, also known as Zeus, takes on many different forms depending on the author and timeframe in which we are examining him. Throughout the article “Jupiter in Ovid’s Metamorphoses” Charles Segal juxtaposes Ovid’s characteristics of Jupiter amongst that of other prominent poets of comparative eras, Homer and Virgil. Ovid’s Jupiter appears to have immense anger and abrupt displays of power that acquire a high level of violence. With these two attributes overlapping, Ovid portrays a Jupiter that is the king of Gods and humankind in a way that seems to question the morality of his reign at times. In the beginning of Metamorphoses, Segal demonstrates that Ovid acknowledges Jupiter as the almighty ruler over earth and the heavens, similar to traditional readings, but Ovid’s over-exaggeration of
Segal denotes the many remarks Ovid makes throughout his book that equate Augustus to Jupiter by means of applauding their undisputed power and prestige. Towards the end of Metamorphoses, Ovid discusses Julius Caesar’s demise and recognizes Augustus as the next biologically in line to receive the position as ruler of Rome. This can be misconstrued as criticism due to the fact that Caesar adopted Augustus. However, it is evident that Augustus was the powerful ruler of the time, even Ovid alludes to this throughout his book, and thus this demonstrates that Ovid is not purposefully mocking Augustus’ rule. Ultimately, Ovid feels that his words will lead to his immortality, living on once he is gone and forgotten. With these words, Segal believes that Ovid is simply retelling the creation of the cosmos and civilization, and at times questioning the hierarchical order that surrounds him, with hopes that they will last beyond his