# D explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## What happens

This chapter provides a glossary of mythological, legendary, and historical figures and places, including Daedalus, Danaë, Daphne, Dardanus, Diana, Dido, and others, with brief descriptions of their roles and stories.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Transformation

Daphne is changed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo's love; Dryope is transformed into a lotus plant.

### Mortality and Immortality

Figures like Daphne and Dryope undergo transformation, blurring the line between mortal and immortal states.

## Character check-ins

### Danaë

Mother of Perseus by Jupiter.

### Phoebus Apollo

Loved Daphne, who was changed into a laurel tree.

### Diana

Goddess of the moon and the chase, daughter of Jupiter and Latona.

### Dido

Queen of Tyre and Carthage who entertained the shipwrecked Aeneas.

### Jupiter

Father of Danaë's child Perseus and of Diana.

### Perseus

Son of Danaë and Jupiter.

### Aeneas

Shipwrecked hero entertained by Dido.

### Orlando

Owner of the sword Durindana.

## Key lines

> Daedalus (Daeˈda-lus), architect of the Cretan Labyrinth; inventor of sails.

Daedalus designed the Labyrinth in Crete and is credited with inventing sails.

_Introduces Daedalus as a key inventor and architect._

> Danaë (Danˈa-e), mother of Perseus by Jupiter.

Danaë is the mother of Perseus, fathered by Jupiter.

_Highlights Danaë's role in the lineage of Perseus._

> Daphne (Daphˈne), maiden loved by Apollo, and changed into a laurel tree.

Daphne was pursued by Apollo and transformed into a laurel tree.

_Illustrates a myth of transformation due to divine love._

> Dido (Diˈdo), queen of Tyre and Carthage, entertained the shipwrecked Aeneas.

Dido, the queen of Tyre and Carthage, hosted Aeneas after his shipwreck.

_References the famous encounter from the Aeneid._

## Links

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