# Endnotes explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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