Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Nisus and Scylla explained
During the siege of Megara by Minos, King of Crete, Scylla, daughter of King Nisus, becomes infatuated with Minos.
What happens
During the siege of Megara by Minos, King of Crete, Scylla, daughter of King Nisus, becomes infatuated with Minos. She cuts the purple lock of hair that protects her father's city, betraying her father and country. Minos rejects her in horror, and as his fleet departs, Scylla clings to his ship. Her father, transformed into a sea-eagle, attacks her, and she is changed into a bird, with the sea-eagle forever pursuing her.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Transformation
Scylla's obsessive love for Minos leads to her betrayal and eventual transformation into a bird.
Jealousy and Revenge
Nisus, transformed into a sea-eagle, vengefully pursues Scylla for her betrayal.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Minos, king of Crete, made war upon Megara.”
Minos, the Cretan king, attacked the city of Megara.
Sets the stage for the conflict.
“I surrender to you my country and my father's house. I ask no reward but yourself; for love of you I have done it.”
I give you my homeland and my family, asking only for you in return, because I acted out of love.
Scylla's declaration of love and betrayal.
“The gods destroy thee, infamous woman; disgrace of our time!”
May the gods curse you, you wicked woman, a shame to our era!
Minos's horrified rejection of Scylla.