Heroides by Publius Ovidius Naso is a collection of fictional letters written by various female mythological characters to their male counterparts. Each letter is filled with passion, longing, and despair as these women express their deepest emotions and desires.

The letters are written in a lyrical and poetic style, showcasing Ovid's skill as a storyteller and poet. The language is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the characters and their struggles.

One of the highlights of Heroides is the variety of voices and perspectives represented in the letters. From the heartbroken Dido to the scorned Medea, each woman brings a unique and compelling narrative to the collection.

Overall, Heroides is a captivating and immersive read that provides a fresh and intimate look at some of the most famous female figures in mythology. Ovid's talent shines through in these letters, making it a must-read for fans of classical literature and poetry.

Book Description:

The Heroides, also known as the Heroines, the Letters of the Heroines or simply as Epistles are a very famous collection of poems by Ovid, not only for their interesting subject – letters by famous mythological characters addressed to their beloved ones – but also because it’s considered by some the first example of the Epistle as a literary genre – a statement made by Ovid himself in his Ars Amatoria. The book as we have it nowadays consists of 21 letters, divided in two parts. The first is composed of fifteen letters presented as if written by a female mythological character to her lover; the second part, also known as Double Heroides, brings three pairs of letters, being the first in each pair supposedly written by a hero, and the second one, the heroine’s response to the first letter. Along the Metamorphoses and the Ars Amatoria, the Heroides were one of the most influential works of Ovid, not only in the Antiquity, but also throughout the Middle Ages and up to Modern times.