# V explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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