Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Kymbelinus, or Cymbeline explained
The chapter recounts the Roman invasion of Britain under Caesar, the taking of Cymbeline as a hostage, his Roman education, and his subsequent peaceful reign as a Roman ally.
What happens
The chapter recounts the Roman invasion of Britain under Caesar, the taking of Cymbeline as a hostage, his Roman education, and his subsequent peaceful reign as a Roman ally. It also describes the rebellion of his sons Guiderius and Arviragus, Guiderius's death in battle, and Arviragus's eventual peace with Rome.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Transmission and Education
Cymbeline is taken to Rome as a hostage and educated in Roman arts and accomplishments, which shapes his later rule and loyalty to Rome.
Fate and Free Will
The narrative shows how Cymbeline's fate as a hostage leads to his peaceful reign, while his sons' choice to rebel brings war and death.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses
Not directly present; no relevant character from the provided list appears in the excerpts.
Key passages
“Cymbeline, the nephew of the king, was delivered to the Romans as a hostage for the faithful fulfilment of the treaty, and, being carried to Rome by Caesar, he was there brought up in the Roman arts and accomplishments.”
Cymbeline, the king's nephew, was given to the Romans as a hostage to ensure the treaty was kept, and Caesar took him to Rome, where he was educated in Roman culture and skills.
This passage highlights the theme of cultural transmission through hostage-taking and education.
“His sons, Guiderius and Arviragus, who made their appearance in Shakespeare’s play of Cymbeline, succeeded their father, and, refusing to pay tribute to the Romans, brought on another invasion.”
His sons, Guiderius and Arviragus, who appear in Shakespeare's play Cymbeline, took the throne after him and, by refusing to pay tribute, provoked another Roman invasion.
This connects the historical narrative to Shakespeare's dramatization and shows the consequences of defying Roman authority.