Brave man Quote by Ovid
““The god of Delos, proud in victory, Saw Cupid draw his bow's taut arc, and said: 'Mischievous boy, what are a brave man's arms To you? That gear becomes my shoulders best. My aim is sure; I wound my enemies, I wound wild beasts; my countless arrows slew But now the bloated Python, whose vast coils Across so many acres spread their blight. You and your loves! You have your torch to light them!Let that content you; never claim my fame!' And Venus' son replied: 'Your bow, Apollo, May vanquish all, but mine shall vanquish you. As every creature yields to power divine, So likewise shall your glory yield to mine.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Metamorphoses, Book 5, 8th century BC
A boastful god challenges a younger deity, claiming superior strength, but the younger god counters that divine power ultimately yields to higher authority.
In simple terms: Prideful god vs. younger god; divine rivalry.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humility in power.
Themes
pride
divine rivalry
hubris
humility
Mood
dramatic
mythic
Type
literary
mythological
When to use this quote
- mythology studies
- literary analysis
- teaching ancient literature
Key Concepts
Greek mythology
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this rivalry reveal about ancient views on power?
- How can humility temper ambition?
A Different Perspective
The younger god's claim may be overstated; divine conflicts are symbolic, not literal.
![“A mind conscious of right laughs at the falsehoods of rumour. [Lat., Conscia mens recti famae mendacia risit.]” quote by Ovid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/95c/ovid-276_conscious_a-mind-conscious-of-right-laughs-at-the_12185.jpg)
