Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
N explained
This chapter provides a glossary of mythological and legendary figures, places, and concepts beginning with the letter N, including entries on Naiads, Narcissus, Neptune, the Nibelungen Hoard, Niobe, the Norns, and Nymphs.
What happens
This chapter provides a glossary of mythological and legendary figures, places, and concepts beginning with the letter N, including entries on Naiads, Narcissus, Neptune, the Nibelungen Hoard, Niobe, the Norns, and Nymphs.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Immortality
Niobe's transformation into stone and Narcissus's death from unsatisfied love illustrate the boundary between mortal suffering and immortal legacy.
Hubris and Divine Retribution
Niobe's pride in her children leads to their slaughter by Apollo and Diana, a clear case of divine punishment for hubris.
Characters to notice
- Niobe
Daughter of Tantalus, proud Queen of Thebes, whose seven sons and seven daughters were killed by Apollo and Diana; she wept until turned to stone.
- Neptune
God of the sea, identical with Poseidon.
- Narcissus
Died of unsatisfied love for his own image in the water.
- Ulysses
Mentioned as Nausicaa's friend and as assuming the name Noman.
- Achilles
Father of Neoptolemus.
- Hercules
Killed the Nemean lion and the centaur Nessus; his jealous wife sent him a poisoned robe.
- Siegfried
Seized the Nibelungen Hoard from the Nibelungs.
- Baldur
Husband of Nanna.
Key passages
“Niobe (Niˈo-be), daughter of Tantalus, proud Queen of Thebes, whose seven sons and seven daughters were killed by Apollo and Diana, at which Amphion, her husband, killed himself, and Niobe wept until she was turned to stone.”
Niobe, the arrogant queen of Thebes, lost all her children to Apollo and Diana; her husband committed suicide, and she wept until she became a stone statue.
Illustrates hubris and divine retribution.
“Narcissus (Nar-cisˈsus), who died of unsatisfied love for his own image in the water.”
Narcissus perished because he fell in love with his own reflection and could not possess it.
A classic tale of self-absorption and tragic love.