Picus Character Analysis in Metamorphoses

Picus is a character in a story that one of Circe’s nymphs tells Macareus. Picus was a handsome horse rider who rejected all his lovers in favor of a girl named Canens. One day after Picus and Canens marry, Circe spots Picus out riding and falls in love. She attempts to seduce him but he rejects her. Furious, Circe turns Picus into a woodpecker.

Picus Character Timeline in Metamorphoses

The timeline below shows where the character Picus appears in Metamorphoses. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...man with a woodpecker on his head. The nymph said that this man’s name was Picus, the son of Saturn. Picus was a talented horseman and very handsome. Many nymphs tried... (full context)

One day, the nymph continues, Picus rides his horse into the fields in pursuit of a wild boar. Circe, who happens... (full context)

Picus rejects Circe, saying that his heart belongs to Canens, a girl he will never betray.... (full context)

As night falls, Canens waits anxiously for Picus. When he doesn’t return, she tears at her clothes in anguish and sets out wandering... (full context)