Achelous is a river god. He hosts Theseus in his house when Theseus is returning to Athens and entertains him with many stories, including the story of how he lost some of his power to Hercules. He and Hercules engaged in a wrestling match in competition for Deianira, and Hercules wrenched off one of Achelous’s horns.
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Achelous Character Timeline in Metamorphoses
The timeline below shows where the character Achelous appears in Metamorphoses. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Book 8: Achelous, the Naiads and Perimele
...Athens. On the way, he is stopped by a flood caused by the river god Achelous. Achelous invites Theseus into his house to wait out the dangerous flood. Theseus accepts the...
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While he dines, Theseus asks Achelous about the islands that he sees scattered throughout the water. Achelous explains that these islands...
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Book 8: Philemon and Baucis
After Achelous finishes his story, one of Theseus’s companions scoffs, calling the story fiction and saying that...
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Book 8: Erysichthon
...finishes his story, Theseus asks for more stories of the gods’ wonders. The river god Achelous tells Theseus that the gods have the power to assume all kinds of shapes. Achelous...
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Achelous ends his story by wondering why he is telling of others who can change shape...
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Book 9: Achelous and Hercules
Theseus asks Achelous how he lost half of his power. Achelous is reluctant to tell a story of...
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Angry at this accusation, Hercules says that Achelous can win with words, but he, Hercules, can win with physical strength. Hercules and Achelous...
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As Achelous finishes the story of his defeat, a nymph comes in bearing Achelous’s broken horn filled...
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Book 9: Hercules and Nessus
Unlike Achelous, Nessus the centaur is fatally wounded trying to compete with Hercules for Deianira. After defeating...
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