# Nisus and Scylla explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Scylla

Daughter of King Nisus, betrays her father for love of Minos, later transformed into a bird.

### Minos

King of Crete, besieges Megara, rejects Scylla's betrayal and gift.

### Nisus

King of Megara, father of Scylla, transformed into a sea-eagle after his death.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/nisus-and-scylla
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters