Deianeira and the Centaur Nessus

Guido RENI

According to Ovid (Metamorphoses IX,101-134), Hercules marries Deianeira after wrestling the river-god Achelous for her hand. Later, during the couple's travels, Hercules entrusts his bride to the centaur Nessus, who offers her passage across the Evenus river. The centaur falls in love with the princess and tries to abduct her, but Hercules shoots him with an arrow poisoned with the blood of the Hydra.

Deianeira and the Centaur Nessus / Guido RENI
© RMN-Grand Palais (Musée du Louvre) / Gérard Blot

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