# Rhoecus explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## What happens

Rhoecus saves an oak tree from falling, earning the gratitude of the Hamadryad nymph who lives within it. He asks for her love, and she agrees on the condition that he remain faithful, with a bee as her messenger. When Rhoecus carelessly brushes the bee away, the nymph punishes him by taking his sight.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Transformation

Rhoecus's love for the Hamadryad leads to a brief union, but his carelessness transforms the relationship into a punishment of blindness.

### Hospitality and Its Violation

The nymph offers Rhoecus a reward and her love, but he violates the trust by ignoring her messenger, leading to retribution.

## Character check-ins

### Rhoecus

A mortal who saves a Hamadryad's oak and wins her love, but loses his sight after dismissing her bee messenger.

## Key lines

> Rhoecus, happening to see an oak just ready to fall, ordered his servants to prop it up.

Rhoecus noticed an oak tree about to topple and commanded his servants to support it.

_Sets up the act of kindness that earns the nymph's gratitude._

> One time the bee came to Rhoecus when he was playing at draughts and he carelessly brushed it away.

Once, while Rhoecus was playing checkers, the bee arrived and he absentmindedly swatted it aside.

_The critical moment of neglect that triggers the nymph's punishment._

## Links

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