Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
O explained
This chapter provides a glossary of mythological and legendary figures, places, and concepts beginning with the letter 'O', including gods, heroes, nymphs, and literary references from Greek, Norse, Celtic, and medieval traditions.
What happens
This chapter provides a glossary of mythological and legendary figures, places, and concepts beginning with the letter 'O', including gods, heroes, nymphs, and literary references from Greek, Norse, Celtic, and medieval traditions.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Transmission and Education
The glossary format itself serves to transmit mythological and historical knowledge, preserving stories and figures for educational purposes.
Mortality and Immortality
Figures like Orion (constellation) and Osiris (god of the afterlife) illustrate themes of death and eternal legacy.
Characters to notice
- Orlando
Famous knight and nephew of Charlemagne.
- Ogier the Dane
One of the paladins of Charlemagne.
- Oliver
Companion of Orlando.
- Orpheus
Musician, son of Apollo and Calliope.
- Osiris
The most beneficent of the Egyptian gods.
- Odin
Chief of the Norse gods.
- Sir Owain
Knight at King Arthur's court.
- Ovid
Latin poet, author of the Metamorphoses.
Key passages
“Odin (Oˈdin), chief of the Norse gods.”
Odin is the supreme deity in Norse mythology.
Identifies Odin's role as the head of the Norse pantheon.
“Orpheus (Orˈpheus), musician, son of Apollo and Calliope. See Eurydice.”
Orpheus, the legendary musician, is the son of Apollo and the muse Calliope, and his story is linked to Eurydice.
Summarizes Orpheus's parentage and his famous myth.
“Osiris (O-siˈris), the most beneficent of the Egyptian gods.”
Osiris is considered the most benevolent deity in Egyptian mythology.
Highlights Osiris's positive attributes.