What were William sources for the Tempest?

* The shipwreck of the *Sea Venture*. In 1609, a fleet of nine English ships set sail for the New World. One of these ships, the *Sea Venture*, was caught in a storm and wrecked off the coast of Bermuda. The survivors of the shipwreck spent nine months on the island before they were able to build a new ship and continue on their journey. Shakespeare is believed to have based the plot of *The Tempest* on the story of the *Sea Venture*.

* Ovid's *Metamorphoses*. Shakespeare was familiar with Ovid's *Metamorphoses*, a collection of Greek and Roman myths. Several elements of *The Tempest* are inspired by Ovid's stories, including the character of Caliban, who is based on the Cyclops Polyphemus, and the transformation of Ferdinand into a spirit Ariel.

* Renaissance magic and alchemy. Shakespeare's plays often incorporate elements of magic and alchemy. In *The Tempest*, Prospero uses his magical powers to control the island and its inhabitants. These magical elements are based on the beliefs and practices of Renaissance magicians and alchemists.