The story from Ovid's Metamorphoses, Book XIII (Fable 7) is about the love triangle between Galatea, Acis, and Polyphemus. Galatea, a sea nymph, is in love with the handsome youth Acis, but the Cyclops Polyphemus is also in love with her and becomes jealous. Polyphemus, in a fit of rage, kills Acis by hurling a rock at him. Acis' blood is transformed into a river bearing his name. Galatea is devastated by Acis' death and tells the story to her friend as she grieves. Polyphemus, in his attempt to win Galatea over, boasts of his own attributes and wealth, trying to convince her to choose him over Acis. However, Galatea remains faithful to Acis and rejects Polyphemus, which only fuels his anger. In a final act of vengeance, Polyphemus crushes Acis with a rock. But through the power of the gods and the Fates, Acis is transformed into a river and flows forever as a stream. The story showcases themes of love, jealousy, and the consequences of actions driven by passion.
