Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Huon of Bordeaux (Continued) explained
Huon continues his quest, encountering the fairy king Oberon disguised as a dwarf, who tests his purity and grants him magical gifts.
What happens
Huon continues his quest, encountering the fairy king Oberon disguised as a dwarf, who tests his purity and grants him magical gifts. He then travels to Rome, receives his uncle the Pope's blessing, and journeys to the East where he reunites with his father's loyal servant Sherasmin. Together they confront Huon's treacherous uncle, the Governor of Babylon, using Oberon's cup and horn to overcome their enemies.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
Huon's unwavering determination to complete his mission despite dangers and enchantments.
Hospitality and Its Violation
The Governor's betrayal and attack during a meal violate the sacred bond of hospitality.
Fate and Free Will
Huon's pure conscience protects him from Oberon's enchantments, highlighting the role of moral choice.
Characters to notice
- Huon of Bordeaux
Continues his quest, demonstrates purity of conscience, uses Oberon's gifts to defeat enemies.
- Sherasmin
Huon's loyal companion, initially fearful of Oberon, later dances under enchantment and is restored.
- Oberon
Appears as a beautiful dwarf, king of the fairies, tests Huon and grants him magical cup and horn.
- Pope
Huon's uncle, absolves him and advises him to visit the Holy Sepulchre.
- Governor of Babylon
Huon's treacherous uncle, apostate Christian, confronts Huon and is humiliated.
Key passages
“The prince saw no one in the chariot but a child apparently about five years old, very beautiful, and clad in a robe which glittered with precious stones.”
Huon saw a chariot carrying only a beautiful child of about five, dressed in a jeweled robe.
Oberon's deceptive appearance as a child.
“Sherasmin, overcome with heat, panting, and unable to stand on his legs, threw himself upon the grass, and began, 'Did not I tell you'—He was going on in an angry tone, but the dwarf, approaching, said, 'Sherasmin, why have you murmured against Providence?'”
Exhausted from dancing, Sherasmin collapsed and started to complain, but Oberon rebuked him for doubting Providence.
Oberon's lesson to Sherasmin about faith.
“Huon and Sherasmin, like Gascons as they were, laughed at his astonishment. 'Christian dogs!' he exclaimed, 'do you dare to insult me at my own table?'”
Huon and Sherasmin laughed at the Governor's shock, prompting him to call them Christian dogs and threaten revenge.
The Governor's anger at the magical cup's effect.