Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
F explained
This chapter provides a glossary of mythological and legendary figures, places, and concepts beginning with the letter F, including giants, enchantresses, Norse and Roman deities, and knights from the Carolingian and Arthurian cycles.
What happens
This chapter provides a glossary of mythological and legendary figures, places, and concepts beginning with the letter F, including giants, enchantresses, Norse and Roman deities, and knights from the Carolingian and Arthurian cycles.
Characters to notice
- Orlando
Mentioned as the opponent of the giant Ferragus.
- Rinaldo of Montalban
His sword Fusberta is listed.
- Rogero
His horse Frontino is listed.
- Odin
His wolf Freki is mentioned.
- Charlemagne
Ferrau is noted as one of Charlemagne's knights.
Key passages
“Fafner (Fafˈner), a giant turned dragon, treasure-stealer; by the Solar Theory simply the Darkness who steals the day.”
Fafner is a giant who transformed into a dragon and stole treasure; according to the Solar Theory, he represents darkness that takes away daylight.
Explains the mythological and allegorical significance of Fafner.
“Fates (Fates), the three, described as daughters of Night—to indicate the darkness and obscurity of human destiny—or of Zeus and Themis, that is, “daughters of the just heavens:” they were Cloˈtho, who spun the thread of life; Lachˈe-sis, who held the thread and fixed its length, and Atˈro-pos, who cut it off.”
The three Fates are daughters of Night (symbolizing the obscurity of destiny) or of Zeus and Themis (daughters of just heavens): Clotho spins the thread of life, Lachesis measures it, and Atropos cuts it.
Describes the origin and roles of the Fates in mythology.