Blood of the earth. Ovidio and the wine

Abstract

This study discusses the significance of references to wine in the narrative elements of Ovid’s literary output. In his youthful works, this drink appears as a cure for love and, because of its role in lowering inhibitions, as a stimulus for erotic games. In his mature works (Metamorphoses and Fasti), symbolic references appear almost exclusively in connection with certain rituals and are linked to Bacchus. Finally, in his late works in exile, wine appears to have a twofold significance, both as a fond memory of his past life and to symbolise an element of restlessness.