Mythology is literary comfort food in troubling times, and the times are troubling! The
myths of Ovid are as relevant today as they were over 2000 years ago. We will read
selections from Ovid’s Metamorphoses in the original Latin, including “Daedalus and
Icarus,” “Daphne and Apollo,” and “Orpheus and Eurydice.” We will then read Virgil’s
“Orpheus” in Latin for comparison. We will examine the intricacies of the original Latin,
the beauty of the poetry, as well as the universal themes in search of beauty, fun,
and … comfort!
Recommended reading: English translations of the myths, as well as general biographies
of Ovid and Virgil, can be found on-line. A Latin dictionary is recommended.
Jamie Keller holds a Masters and “A.B.D” from SUNY Albany in Ancient Greek. She is a Docent and Educational Guide at the
Norman Rockwell Museum.
OLLI: the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College Partners in education with Williams College, Bard College at Simon's Rock and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 1350 West Street | Pittsfield, MA 01201 | 413.236.2190 | olli@berkshirecc.edu
