# Dunwallo Molmutius explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## What happens

This chapter introduces Dunwallo Molmutius, a notable figure who established the Molmutine laws, which granted sanctuary to temples, cities, and their approach roads, and extended protection to ploughs, thereby sanctifying agricultural labor. The chapter includes a reference to Shakespeare's 'Cymbeline', where Molmutius is credited as the first Briton to crown himself king.

## Key lines

> Molmutius established the Molmutine laws, which bestowed the privilege of sanctuary on temples, cities, and the roads leading to them, and gave the same protection to ploughs, extending a religious sanction to the labors of the field.

Molmutius created the Molmutine laws, granting safe refuge to temples, cities, and their access roads, and also protecting ploughs, thereby giving a holy endorsement to farming work.

_Highlights the legal and religious innovations attributed to Molmutius._

> Shakespeare alludes to him in Cymbeline, Act III., Scene 1: '… Molmutius made our laws; Who was the first of Britain which did put His brows within a golden crown, and called Himself a king.'

Shakespeare references Molmutius in 'Cymbeline', noting that he was the first in Britain to wear a golden crown and declare himself king.

_Connects the historical figure to Shakespeare's work, emphasizing his foundational role in British monarchy._

## Links

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