Cithaeron, the King of the Mountain, suggests to Mercury that Jupiter may teach his jealous wife Juno a lesson if he woos the ugly and conceited marsh-nymph Plataea. She has set her cap at Cithaeron, but responds positively, to the accompaniment of frogs. Jupiter appears to Plataea in a variety of shapes, as a donkey, then as an owl, and finally as himself, to be entertained in a mock divertissement. Juno, in hiding, observes the mock-wedding ceremony, eventually emerging to unveil the bride and realizes the ridiculous nature of the proceedings. Plataea is left to be mocked by the country-folk.
Platée guide sections
