Ovid's Metamorphoses Book VIII

In Book VIII of the Metamorphoses, Ovid says the Phrygian couple Philemon and Baucis cordially received their unknown and disguised guests. When they realized their guests were gods (Jupiter and Mercury) -- because the wine replenished itself -- they tried to kill a goose to serve them. The goose ran to Jupiter for safety.

The gods were displeased by the poor treatment they had received at the hands of the rest of the area's inhabitants, but appreciated the generosity of the old couple, so they warned Philemon and Baucis to leave town -- for their own good. Jupiter flooded the land, but then afterwards, allowed the couple to return to live out their lives together.

This c. 1608 painting of Mercury and Jupiter in the House of Philemon and Baucis is by Adam Elsheimer, from Frankfurt. You can see the goose making its way to the gods, with the aged Baucis ambling in pursuit. Philemon is by the door. To the right in the painting is the couple's more usual fare, fish, cabbage, onions, and bread.

Other stories covered in Book VIII of the Metamorphoses include the Minotaur, Daedalus and Icarus, and Atalanta and Meleager.