# P explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/p
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters