Antoninus Liberalis

Antoninus Liberalis Transformationum congeries 1676

Antoninus Liberalis was an ancient Greek grammarian who is best known for his work titled Metamorphoses. This work is a collection of forty-one mythological transformation myths, written in prose. The exact dates of his life are uncertain, but he is generally believed to have lived during the 2nd century AD.

Life and Work

Little is known about the life of Antoninus Liberalis. He is thought to have been a grammarian, a scholar who specialized in the study of language and literature. His work, Metamorphoses, is the only surviving text attributed to him. Unlike other ancient authors who wrote on similar themes, such as Ovid in his Metamorphoses, Antoninus Liberalis' version is written in prose rather than verse.

Metamorphoses

The Metamorphoses of Antoninus Liberalis is a compilation of transformation myths, which were popular in Greek mythology. These stories often involve humans or gods transforming into animals, plants, or other forms. The work is notable for its straightforward prose style and its focus on lesser-known myths. Some of the stories included in the Metamorphoses are unique to Antoninus Liberalis and are not found in other ancient sources.

Influence and Legacy

Antoninus Liberalis' Metamorphoses has been a valuable resource for scholars studying Greek mythology and ancient literature. The work provides insights into the mythological traditions and storytelling techniques of ancient Greece. It has also been used as a source for later writers and artists who have drawn inspiration from the transformation myths.

Related Pages

• Metamorphoses (Antoninus Liberalis)
• Greek mythology
• Ovid
• Metamorphoses
• Ancient Greek literature