# The Mythical History of England explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology > Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch. ## What happens This chapter recounts the legendary origins of Britain, beginning with the giant Albion and the story of Brutus the Trojan, a descendant of Aeneas, who after accidentally killing his father, leads a band of Trojan exiles from Greece. Guided by a vision from Diana, Brutus sails westward and founds a new Troy in Britain. The chapter then traces a line of early British kings, including the tale of King Leir and his three daughters (the source of Shakespeare's King Lear), the fratricidal conflict of Ferrex and Porrex, the wise rule of Dunwallo Molmutius, the story of Elidure's piety in restoring his deposed brother, and the reign of Lud who renamed London. It also mentions Cassibellaunus's resistance to Julius Caesar. ## Themes in this chapter ### Fate and Free Will Brutus's journey is guided by divine prophecy (Diana's vision) and oracles, yet his actions—such as accidentally killing his father and leading the Trojan exiles—are driven by personal choices and circumstances. ### Hospitality and Its Violation King Leir's trust in his elder daughters' flattery is betrayed when they strip him of his retinue, violating the sacred duty of hospitality and filial care. ### Jealousy and Revenge The story of Ferrex and Porrex illustrates fraternal jealousy leading to war, and the mother's vengeful murder of her surviving son after the death of her favorite. ## Character check-ins ### Aeneas Ancestor of Brutus; his flight from Troy and settlement in Italy is referenced as the starting point of Brutus's lineage. ### Jupiter Mentioned as the father of Albion, the giant who gave his name to the island. ### Neptune Father of Albion, the giant who ruled the island before being slain by Hercules. ### Hercules Slays the giant Albion during his western march. ### Diana Goddess of the hunt; appears in a vision to Brutus, guiding him to found a new Troy in Britain. ### Minerva Mentioned as the goddess to whom Bladud dedicated the medicinal waters of Bath. ### Apollo Mentioned as the god in whose temple Bladud died after attempting to fly. ## Key lines > Goddess of shades, and huntress, who at will Walk’st on the rolling sphere, and through the deep; On thy third realm, the earth, look now, and tell What land, what seat of rest, thou bidd’st me seek; What certain seat where I may worship thee For aye, with temples vowed and virgin choirs. Brutus prays to Diana, asking her to reveal the land where he and his people should settle and build a lasting home. _Brutus's invocation to Diana before receiving the prophetic vision that guides him to Britain._ > Brutus! far to the west, in the ocean wide, Beyond the realm of Gaul, a land there lies, Seagirt it lies, where giants dwelt of old; Now, void, it fits thy people: thither bend Thy course; there shalt thou find a lasting seat; There to thy sons another Troy shall rise, And kings be born of thee, whose dreaded might Shall awe the world, and conquer nations bold. Diana tells Brutus to sail west to an island beyond Gaul, once home to giants but now empty, where he will found a new Troy and his descendants will become powerful kings. _Diana's oracle to Brutus, directing him to Britain and foretelling the rise of a mighty lineage._ > Father, my love towards you is as my duty bids. They who pretend beyond this flatter. Cordeilla tells her father Leir that her love is measured by her duty, and those who claim more are flattering him. _Cordeilla's honest answer to Leir's test of his daughters' love, leading to her disinheritance._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ii-the-mythical-history-of-england - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters