Baucis and Philemon - Section 1: The Gods Arrive

1 Iuppiter huc specie mortali cumque parente
2 venit Atlantiades postis caducifer alis .
3 mille domos adiere locum requiemque petentes ,
4 mille domos clausere serae . tamen una recepit ,
5 parva quidem stipulis et canna tecta palustri ,
6 sed pia Baucis anus parilique aetate Philemon
7 illa sunt annis iuncti iuvenalibus , illa
8 consenuere casa paupertatemque fatendo
9 effecere levem nec iniqua mente ferendo .
10 nec refert , dominos illic famulosne requiras :
11 tota domus duo sunt , idem parentque iubentque .
Section 1 Translation: Jupiter came here in human form and, with his father, (came) the wand-bearing descendant of Atlas, having set aside his wings. They approached a thousand houses, seeking a place to rest: bars shut a thousand houses. However, one received (them), a small (one), it is true, covered with stalks and marshy reeds, but the dutiful old woman Baucis, and Philemon, equal in age, were united in their younger years in that cottage, grew old in that cottage, and by acknowledging their poverty, made it light by not bearing it with an unfair mind. And it does not matter whether you look for masters or slaves there, the two are the whole house, they both obey and command.

Passage Analysis

What Happens

Jupiter and Mercury, disguised as ordinary mortals, travel to earth seeking hospitality. Mercury has hidden his divine wings and staff to appear completely human. They approach a thousand houses asking for shelter and rest, but every door is slammed shut and barred against them. Only one house welcomes them - a tiny cottage made of straw and reeds. This humble home belongs to an elderly couple, Baucis and Philemon, who are deeply pious and have been married since their youth. Despite their extreme poverty, they have always accepted their situation with grace and never complained bitterly about their hardships. Their relationship is so equal and loving that in their household there are no traditional master-servant roles - they both serve each other and share all decisions.

Historical Context

This story comes from Ovid's Metamorphoses, written around 8 CE during the reign of Augustus. The theme of gods testing human hospitality was common in Greek and Roman literature - the concept of 'xenia' (guest-friendship) was sacred in ancient culture. Refusing hospitality to strangers was considered deeply immoral as you never knew if they might be gods in disguise. The story reflects Roman social values about marriage, piety, and the proper attitude towards poverty. The couple's equal relationship was unusual in Roman society where marriages were typically hierarchical with clear gender roles. Their cottage made of reeds and thatch represents the simplest rural dwelling, contrasting with the stone houses of the wealthy who refused the gods entry.

Questions to Consider

  • Why does Ovid emphasize that the gods are completely disguised as mortals? What does this add to the test?
  • What is the significance of "a thousand houses" refusing them? How does this number function poetically?
  • How does the description of the cottage contrast with the "thousand houses" that rejected the gods?
  • What does the phrase "by acknowledging their poverty, made it light" suggest about the couple's philosophy of life?
  • How does the final description of their equal relationship challenge typical Roman marriage expectations?
  • What clues in this opening section hint at the divine reward that may be coming?
Section 2 →
Colour Key
Literary Devices
Grammar & Syntax
Key Vocabulary
Character Analysis
Contrast & Opposition