Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
E explained
This chapter provides brief definitions and mythological descriptions for various entries starting with the letter 'E', including figures such as Echo, Enid, Eurydice, and Excalibur, as well as places, concepts, and objects from Greek, Roma
What happens
This chapter provides brief definitions and mythological descriptions for various entries starting with the letter 'E', including figures such as Echo, Enid, Eurydice, and Excalibur, as well as places, concepts, and objects from Greek, Roman, Norse, and Arthurian legend.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Transformation
Echo fades to a voice due to unrequited love for Narcissus; Eurydice is lost when Orpheus looks back.
Mortality and Immortality
Elysium is described as a happy afterlife for favored heroes, contrasting with mortal death.
Characters to notice
- Enid
Wife of Geraint, mentioned in a brief entry.
- Geraint
Husband of Enid, referenced in the entry for Enid.
- Orpheus
Husband of Eurydice, who descended to Hades to retrieve her.
- King Arthur
Owner of the sword Excalibur, mentioned in the final entry.
- Thor
Wrestled against Elli (Old Age) and lost, as noted in the entry for Elli.
- Phoebus Apollo
Mistakenly listed; intended reference is to the goddess Diana, who loved Endymion and was served by Echo.
Key passages
“Echo (Echˈo), nymph of Diana, shunned by Narcissus, faded to nothing but a voice.”
Echo, a nymph of Diana, was rejected by Narcissus and wasted away until only her voice remained.
Illustrates the theme of unrequited love leading to transformation.
“Eurydice (Eu-rydˈi-ce), wife of Orpheus, who, fleeing from an admirer, was killed by a snake and borne to Tartarus, where Orpheus sought her and was permitted to bring her to earth if he would not look back at her following him; but he did, and she returned to the Shades.”
Eurydice, Orpheus's wife, died from a snakebite and went to the underworld; Orpheus retrieved her on condition he not look back, but he did, losing her forever.
A classic tale of love, loss, and the consequences of breaking a divine command.
“Elysium (E-lysˈi-um), a happy land, where there is neither snow, nor cold, nor rain. Hither favored heroes, like Menelaus, pass without dying, and live happy under the rule of Rhadamanthus.”
Elysium is a blissful afterlife realm without harsh weather, where select heroes like Menelaus go without experiencing death and live happily under Rhadamanthus's rule.
Describes the Greek concept of an immortal paradise for the worthy.