Motif
impossible chase resolved by transformation into statues
impossible_chase_resolved_by_transformation_into_statues
A motif of the Shapeshifter and Transformation family, within the sub-family Transformative Pursuit and Escape. Every row below is a tagged passage; each rests on a quote in its source text.
1 occurrences
1 traditions
roman
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The Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books I-VII EXPLANATION. / EXPLANATION. / EXPLANATION. / EXPLANATION.; lines 12247-12338 confidence: high
Lælaps is compared in speed to spear, sling-pellets, and arrow; from a hill the narrator sees the beast almost caught, then evading by circular movement while the dog snaps at air.
The peerless dog and evasive monster remain locked in pursuit until they are seen as marble statues, with the narrator inferring divine intervention so neither is conquered.
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