Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Leir explained
King Leir, having no sons, decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their declarations of love.
What happens
King Leir, having no sons, decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their declarations of love. Goneril and Regan flatter him with extravagant claims and receive their shares, but Cordeilla gives a honest, dutiful answer, which enrages Leir. He disinherits her and divides the kingdom between the two elder daughters. Leir first stays with Goneril, but his retinue is reduced; then with Regan, who further humiliates him. Realizing his folly, he travels to France to seek Cordeilla. She receives him kindly, restores his dignity, and leads an army to reclaim his throne. Leir rules three more years, then Cordeilla succeeds him for five years before being overthrown by her sisters' sons. The chapter notes Shakespeare's adaptation in King Lear and Milton's telling of the story.
Themes in this chapter
Hospitality and Its Violation
Leir's daughters violate the duty of hospitality by reducing his retinue and refusing him comfort, leading to his exile.
Fate and Free Will
Leir's free choice to disinherit Cordeilla based on flattery sets his fate in motion, yet his later repentance and Cordeilla's intervention restore his throne.
Characters to notice
- King Arthur
Not present in this chapter; placeholder as no canonical character matches Leir or his daughters.
Key passages
“Father, my love towards you is as my duty bids. They who pretend beyond this flatter.”
Cordeilla says her love for her father is exactly what duty requires, and those who claim more are flattering him.
Cordeilla's honest answer contrasts with her sisters' flattery, leading to her disinheritance.
“Since thou hast not reverenced thy aged father like thy sisters, think not to have any part in my kingdom or what else I have”
Leir angrily tells Cordeilla she will receive no share of his kingdom or possessions because she did not honor him as her sisters did.
Leir's rash judgment based on superficial declarations of love.