Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Nereus and Doris explained
This chapter introduces Nereus and Doris as the parents of the Nereids, highlighting the most famous Nereids: Amphitrite, Thetis (mother of Achilles), and Galatea, who was loved by the Cyclops Polyphemus.
What happens
This chapter introduces Nereus and Doris as the parents of the Nereids, highlighting the most famous Nereids: Amphitrite, Thetis (mother of Achilles), and Galatea, who was loved by the Cyclops Polyphemus. Nereus is noted for his wisdom, truthfulness, justice, and prophetic abilities.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Transformation
The love of Polyphemus for Galatea reflects themes of desire and the transformative power of love, even across different beings.
Mortality and Immortality
The Nereids, as immortal sea nymphs, contrast with mortal heroes like Achilles, highlighting the boundary between divine and human.
Characters to notice
- Achilles
Son of Thetis, one of the Nereids
- Polyphemus
The Cyclops who loved the Nereid Galatea
Key passages
“Nereus and Doris were the parents of the Nereids, the most celebrated of whom were Amphitrite, Thetis, the mother of Achilles, and Galatea, who was loved by the Cyclops Polyphemus.”
Nereus and Doris had many daughters, the Nereids, including Amphitrite, Thetis (who would become Achilles' mother), and Galatea, who was courted by the Cyclops Polyphemus.
Introduces key Nereids and their connections to famous figures.
“Nereus was distinguished for his knowledge and his love of truth and justice, whence he was termed an elder; the gift of prophecy was also assigned to him.”
Nereus was known for his wisdom, honesty, and fairness, earning him the title 'elder,' and he was also gifted with the ability to foresee the future.
Describes Nereus's virtues and prophetic power.