Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Modern Monsters explained
This chapter explores a set of imaginary beings that succeeded the classical monsters of ancient superstition, persisting in popular belief even after the rise of Christianity.
What happens
This chapter explores a set of imaginary beings that succeeded the classical monsters of ancient superstition, persisting in popular belief even after the rise of Christianity. Unlike the false gods of Paganism, these creatures are documented not in ancient poetry but in old natural history books and travelers' narratives, with accounts drawn chiefly from the Penny Cyclopedia.
Key passages
“There is a set of imaginary beings which seem to have been the successors of the 'Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire' of the old superstitions, and, having no connection with the false gods of Paganism, to have continued to enjoy an existence in the popular belief after Paganism was superseded by Christianity.”
A group of mythical creatures replaced the terrifying monsters of ancient lore, surviving in folk belief even after Christianity replaced pagan religions, without being tied to pagan deities.
Introduces the concept of modern monsters as successors to classical ones, distinct from pagan gods.
“They are mentioned perhaps by the classical writers, but their chief popularity and currency seem to have been in more modern times.”
Although classical authors may have referenced them, these beings became most well-known and widely accepted in later centuries.
Highlights the shift in prominence from ancient to modern times for these creatures.
“We seek our accounts of them not so much in the poetry of the ancients as in the old natural history books and narrations of travellers.”
Our sources for these beings are not ancient poems but rather early natural history texts and travel stories.
Emphasizes the empirical and travel-based origins of modern monster lore.
“The accounts which we are about to give are taken chiefly from the Penny Cyclopedia.”
The following descriptions come mainly from the Penny Cyclopedia.
Cites the primary source for the chapter's content.