Salmacis is a nymph who rejects Diana’s lifestyle and likes to show off her nakedness. She falls in love with Hermaphroditus when he comes to bathe in her pool and grabs onto him while he is under water. She prays to the gods that they will become one, and the gods merge the two’s faces and bodies.
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Salmacis Character Timeline in Metamorphoses
The timeline below shows where the character Salmacis appears in Metamorphoses. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Book 4: Salmacis and Hermaphroditus
...discovers a perfectly clear pool surrounded by green grass. The pool belongs to a nymph, Salmacis, who rejects Diana’s lifestyle of hunting and virginity and likes to bathe naked in pools...
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When Salmacis sees Hermaphroditus, she desires to possess him. She preens herself, then calls to Hermaphroditus, telling...
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Hermaphroditus jumps into the pool. Salmacis jumps in after him and grabs hold of his body. He tries to get away,...
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