# M explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Chapter companion for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

## What happens

This chapter serves as a glossary of mythological, legendary, and historical figures, places, and concepts beginning with the letter 'M', including entries from Greek, Roman, Norse, Celtic, and Arthurian traditions, as well as figures from medieval romance and world mythology.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cultural Transmission and Education

The chapter functions as an educational glossary, transmitting mythological and legendary knowledge across cultures.

## Character check-ins

### Merlin

Listed as 'Merlin, enchanter' and cross-referenced with Myrddin.

### Malagigi

Listed as 'Malagigi the Enchanter, one of Charlemagne’s knights.'

### Manawyddan

Listed as 'Manawyddan, brother of King Vran, of London.'

### Mandricardo

Listed as 'Mandricardo, son of Agrican.'

### Marphisa

Listed as 'Marphisa, sister of Rogero.'

### Medea

Listed as 'Medea, princess and sorceress who aided Jason.'

### Medoro

Listed as 'Medoro, a young Moor, who wins Angelica.'

### Modred

Listed as 'Modred, nephew of King Arthur.'

## Key lines

> Muhammad (Ma-homˈed), great prophet of Arabia, born in Mecca, 571 AD , proclaimed worship of God instead of idols, spread his religion through disciples and then by force till it prevailed, with Arabian dominion, over vast regions in Asia, Africa, and Spain in Europe.

Muhammad, the great prophet of Arabia, was born in Mecca in 571 AD. He called for the worship of one God instead of idols, and his teachings spread first through disciples and later by conquest, establishing Arabian rule across much of Asia, Africa, and Spain.

_Summarizes the historical entry on Muhammad's life and the expansion of Islam._

> Marsyas (Marˈsy-as), inventor of the flute, who challenged Apollo to musical competition, and, defeated, was flayed alive.

Marsyas, credited with inventing the flute, dared to challenge Apollo to a musical contest. After losing, he was skinned alive as punishment.

_Condenses the myth of Marsyas and his fatal hubris against Apollo._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/m
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters