Myth Commentaries/2014521/3
(submitted)
Though all the three versions of the myth of Niobe differ greatly%2C they share a few common elements. All three versions indicate that Niobe%E2%80%99s transformation into a stone on Mount Sipylus was brought on by her incurring the wrath of the god%E2%80%99s%2C who imparted their justice as a result of their anger towards her. The three stories also depict Niobe%E2%80%99s punishment as being eternal%2C occurring both before and after she changes form. Though Niobe is bound to the mountain in the shape of a rock%2C she is not inanimate%2C and her transformation prolongs her suffering%2C emphasizing the extent of the cruel fate that befalls those who provoke the fury of the Gods. In each version%2C the description of Niobe%E2%80%99s punishment and the reason for it differs. In Homer%E2%80%99s Iliad%2C Niobe is punished for insulting the goddess for having fewer children than her. The myth is introduced as a way for the character Achilles to transition his conversation into supper%2C suggesting that they should think of meat as Niobe did on Mount Sipylus%2C despite having lost all of her children at the hands of the Gods. In Sophocles%E2%80%99s Antigone%2C the myth of Niobe is part of Antigone%E2%80%99s lamentation about her current state of affairs%2C and is presented as an example of the unfortunate fate she anticipates is awaiting her. In this version%2C the reason for Niobe%E2%80%99s punishment is not described%2C though it indicates Niobe%E2%80%99s place with the Gods%2C as well as her suffering. In the assigned segment of Ovid%E2%80%99s Metamorphoses%2C the myth of Niobe is relayed in the most detail. This version is solely concerned with telling the tale of Niobe%2C and describes her punishment as being the result of her arrogance and the sense of superiority%2C expressed when she insults Latona and drives her people from worshiping her. This version is significant in how it illustrates Niobe%E2%80%99s character and describes how the grandiose sense of power she derives from her divine lineage and fourteen children is actually is actually illusory%2C and leads to her downfall. Though Niobe%E2%80%99s fate is tragic%2C her portrayal is slightly ambiguous in whether it inspires sympathy. In both Homer and Ovid%E2%80%99s retelling of the myth%2C Niobe is portrayed as challenging the power and authority of the other Gods and insulting them%2C provoking them to react with a swift and severe response that would be perceived as just. Homer does not seem to express any kind of sympathy for her character. Ovid on the other hand spends a significant amount of time detailing Niobe%E2%80%99s negative attitude and exploits%2C creating a portrayal that ultimately depicts her punishment as self-solicited and just. Through Antigone%2C Sophocles perhaps expresses some sympathy for Niobe%E2%80%99s suffering%2C but the passage does not present Niobe%E2%80%99s fate unjust or unwarranted.
May 26, 2014 05:45
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