Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
V explained
This chapter provides a glossary of mythological, historical, and cultural terms, including figures from Norse, Hindu, Greek, Roman, and Arthurian traditions, as well as geographical and literary references.
What happens
This chapter provides a glossary of mythological, historical, and cultural terms, including figures from Norse, Hindu, Greek, Roman, and Arthurian traditions, as well as geographical and literary references.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Immortality
Valhalla and the Valkyries reflect Norse beliefs about the afterlife and the selection of slain heroes for an immortal hall.
Love and Transformation
Vertumnus's varied appearances to win Pomona's love illustrate transformation in pursuit of love.
Characters to notice
- Odin
Mentioned as the god whose hall is Valhalla and who sends Valkyries to select slain heroes.
- Venus
Listed as the goddess of beauty, with reference to the Venus de Medici statue.
- Vulcan
Described as the god of fire and metalworking, husband of Venus.
- Merlin
Referenced as the sage imprisoned by Viviane in an enchanted wood.
Key passages
“Valhalla (Val-halˈla), hall of Odin, heavenly residence of slain heroes.”
Valhalla is Odin's hall where fallen warriors dwell after death.
Definition of Valhalla.
“Valkyrie (Val-kyˈrie), armed and mounted warlike virgins, daughters of the gods (Norse), Odin’s messengers, who select slain heroes for Valhalla and serve them at their feasts.”
Valkyries are divine maidens who choose which warriors die in battle and then serve them in Valhalla.
Description of Valkyries.
“Viviane (Vivˈi-ane), lady of magical powers, who allured the sage Merlin and imprisoned him in an enchanted wood.”
Viviane used her magic to entice Merlin and trap him in a forest.
Reference to Merlin's imprisonment.