# Bladud explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## What happens

Bladud, a legendary king, founded the city of Bath and dedicated its healing waters to Minerva. Known for his inventive mind and practice of magic, he crafted wings to fly but fell to his death upon the temple of Apollo in Trinovant after a reign of twenty years.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hubris and Divine Retribution

Bladud's attempt to fly with artificial wings leads to his fatal fall, illustrating the consequences of overreaching human ambition.

## Character check-ins

### Minerva

Bladud dedicated the medicinal waters of Bath to Minerva.

### Phoebus Apollo

Bladud fell upon the temple of Apollo in Trinovant and died.

## Key lines

> Bladud built the city of Bath, and dedicated the medicinal waters to Minerva.

Bladud established the city of Bath and consecrated its healing springs to the goddess Minerva.

_Highlights the founding of a notable city and religious dedication._

> He was a man of great invention, and practised the arts of magic, till, having made him wings to fly, he fell down upon the temple of Apollo, in Trinovant, and so died, after twenty years’ reign.

A highly inventive king skilled in magic, he constructed wings to fly, but crashed onto Apollo's temple in Trinovant and perished, ending his two-decade rule.

_Summarizes his inventive nature, magical practices, and tragic demise._

## Links

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