Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
P explained
This chapter provides an alphabetical listing of mythological, legendary, and historical figures, places, and concepts beginning with the letter 'P', including brief descriptions of their roles and stories.
What happens
This chapter provides an alphabetical listing of mythological, legendary, and historical figures, places, and concepts beginning with the letter 'P', including brief descriptions of their roles and stories.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Transformation
Stories of Pyramus and Thisbe, Psyche and Cupid, and Pygmalion illustrate love leading to transformation or tragedy.
Mortality and Immortality
Psyche's journey from mortal to immortal, and the Phoenix's cycle of death and rebirth, highlight the theme.
Hubris and Divine Retribution
Phaëton's attempt to drive the sun-chariot and Pentheus's resistance to Bacchus exemplify hubris punished by the gods.
Characters to notice
- Perseus
Son of Jupiter and Danaë, slayer of the Gorgon Medusa, deliverer of Andromeda from a sea-monster.
- Psyche
A beautiful maiden personifying the human soul, sought by Cupid, lost him by curiosity, but was made immortal and restored to him.
- Pyramus
Lover of Thisbe; their tragic story involves a misunderstanding leading to both their deaths.
- Proserpine
Goddess of all growing things, daughter of Ceres, carried off by Pluto.
- Paris
Son of Priam and Hecuba, who eloped with Helen.
- Polyphemus
Giant son of Neptune.
- Pryderi
Son of Pwyll.
- Pwyll
Prince of Dyved.
Key passages
“Pygmalion (Pyg-maˈli-on), sculptor in love with a statue he had made, brought to life by Venus; also brother of Queen Dido.”
Pygmalion was a sculptor who fell in love with a statue he carved, which Venus brought to life; he is also noted as the brother of Queen Dido.
Summarizes the Pygmalion myth and his familial connection.
“Pandora (Pan-doˈra (all-gifted)), first woman, dowered with gifts by every god, yet entrusted with a box she was cautioned not to open; but, curious, she opened it, and out flew all the ills of humanity, leaving behind only Hope, which remained.”
Pandora, the first woman gifted by all gods, was given a box she was told not to open; her curiosity released all human suffering, leaving only Hope inside.
Condenses the Pandora myth.
“Perseus (Perˈseus), son of Jupiter and Danaë, slayer of the Gorgon Medusa, deliverer of Andromeda from a seamonster.”
Perseus, the son of Jupiter and Danaë, killed the Gorgon Medusa and rescued Andromeda from a sea monster.
Briefly describes Perseus's key exploits.