# A explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## What happens

This chapter serves as a glossary or index of mythological, legendary, and historical figures, places, and concepts, providing brief definitions and etymological notes for each entry from 'Abdalrahman' to 'Athamas'.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Immortality

The entries on Amrita (nectar giving immortality), Ambrosia (celestial food), and the transformation of figures like Arachne and Arethusa highlight themes of mortality and the quest for eternal life.

### Love and Transformation

Stories of Anaxarete (whose lover hanged himself), Acontius and Cydippe, and Acis and Galatea illustrate love leading to transformation or tragedy.

### Hubris and Divine Retribution

Entries such as Arachne (changed to a spider for challenging Minerva) and Actaeon (turned into a stag for seeing Diana bathing) exemplify punishment for hubris.

## Character check-ins

### Jupiter

Mentioned as the father of gods, nursed by Amalthea, and as father of Amphion and Alcmena.

### Perseus

Mentioned as the slayer of Medusa and deliverer of Andromeda; his assailants Ampyx and Astyages are turned to stone.

### Hercules

Mentioned as the killer of Antaeus and as the cleanser of the Augean stables.

### Aeneas

Mentioned as the son of Anchises and Aphrodite, and as the reputed first settler of Rome.

### Achilles

Mentioned as the hero of the Iliad, son of Peleus and Thetis, slain by Paris.

### Orlando

Mentioned as the slayer of the magical ruffian Arridano and as the killer of Agrican.

### Rinaldo

Mentioned as the son of Aymon and Aya, and as the target of the spirit Ashtaroth.

### Astolpho

Mentioned as one of Charlemagne's knights.

## Key lines

> Althaea (Al-thaeˈa), mother of Meleager, whom she slew because he had in a quarrel killed her brothers, thus disgracing 'the house of Thestius,' her father.

Althaea, mother of Meleager, killed him after he murdered her brothers in a quarrel, bringing shame to her father's house.

_Summarizes the tragic story of Althaea and Meleager._

> Antaeus (An-taeˈus), giant wrestler of Libya, killed by Hercules, who, finding him stronger when thrown to the earth, lifted him into the air and strangled him.

Antaeus, a giant wrestler from Libya, was killed by Hercules when Hercules lifted him off the ground, preventing him from drawing strength from the earth.

_Explains the method Hercules used to defeat Antaeus._

> Arachne (A-rachˈne), a maiden skilled in weaving, changed to a spider by Minerva for daring to compete with her.

Arachne, a talented weaver, was turned into a spider by Minerva as punishment for challenging her to a weaving contest.

_Describes the myth of Arachne's transformation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/a
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters