Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter consists of endnotes providing citations, translations, and commentary on classical and medieval references throughout the book, including quotes from Virgil, Ovid, and other sources, as well as notes on Arthurian legend, Norse
What happens
This chapter consists of endnotes providing citations, translations, and commentary on classical and medieval references throughout the book, including quotes from Virgil, Ovid, and other sources, as well as notes on Arthurian legend, Norse mythology, and literary allusions.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Transmission and Education
The endnotes serve to educate readers on classical and medieval sources, transmitting literary and mythological knowledge.
Mortality and Immortality
References to Baldur's death, Arthur's rescue, and the fragility of life highlight themes of mortality and the hope for immortality.
Characters to notice
- King Arthur
Referenced in endnotes regarding his rescue by the Faery queen and the legend of Avalon.
- Sir Launcelot
Mentioned in connection with Queen Guenever and the episode of Francesca da Rimini.
- Queen Guenever
Noted as Arthur's queen, with adventures linked to Sir Launcelot.
- Sir Kay
Described as the Seneschal and a comic character in Arthur's court.
- Baldur
Referenced in relation to Tegner's Drapa and the superstition of his death.
- Osiris
Mentioned in connection with the ark borne by Egyptian priests.
- Achilles
Noted for the story of his invulnerability and its inconsistency with Homer.
- Paris
Referenced in the story of Oenone and his return wounded.
Key passages
“Incidit in Scyllam, cupiens vitare Charybdim.”
He runs into Scylla while trying to avoid Charybdis.
A Latin proverb about avoiding one danger only to fall into another.
“Facilis descensus Averni; Noctes atque dies patet atri janua Ditis; Sed revocare gradum, superasque evadere ad auras, Hoc opus, hic labor est.”
The descent to the underworld is easy; the gate of Pluto stands open night and day; but to return to the upper air—that is the difficult task.
Virgil's lines on the ease of descending to hell versus the difficulty of returning.
“Sternitur infelix alieno vulnere, coelumque Adspicit et moriens dulces reminiscitur Argos.”
He falls, unhappy, struck by a wound meant for another; looks to the sky, and dying remembers sweet Argos.
A poignant moment from Virgil depicting a warrior's death.