# Nereus and Doris explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Achilles

Son of Thetis, one of the Nereids

### Polyphemus

The Cyclops who loved the Nereid Galatea

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/nereus-and-doris
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters