# Origin of Mythology—Statues of Gods and Goddesses—Poets of Mythology explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## What happens

This chapter explores the origins of pagan mythology through four main theories: Scriptural, Historical, Allegorical, and Physical. It then describes famous statues of the gods, including the Olympian Jupiter and the Minerva of the Parthenon by Phidias, and the Venus de Medici. Finally, it discusses the poets of mythology, with a focus on Ovid and his Metamorphoses.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cultural Transmission and Education

The Historical theory suggests myths arose from real figures like Cadmus, who brought the alphabet to Greece, representing the transmission of knowledge and civilization.

### Mortality and Immortality

Ovid's prediction that his poem would survive him and achieve immortality is highlighted, contrasting the mortality of the body with the enduring fame of art.

## Character check-ins

### Jupiter

Mentioned as the subject of Phidias's statue of the Olympian Jupiter, described as the supreme deity enthroned in majesty.

### Minerva

Mentioned as the subject of Phidias's statue of the Minerva of the Parthenon, standing with a spear and a statue of Victory.

### Venus

Mentioned as the subject of the Venus de Medici statue by Cleomenes.

### Ovid

Discussed as a poet of mythology, author of the Metamorphoses, with a translation of his closing lines predicting the poem's immortality.

## Key lines

> Thus Deucalion is only another name for Noah, Hercules for Samson, Arion for Jonah, etc.

According to the Scriptural theory, mythological figures like Deucalion, Hercules, and Arion are actually disguised versions of biblical figures such as Noah, Samson, and Jonah.

_This illustrates the Scriptural theory of myth origin._

> The story of Io is interpreted in a similar manner. Io is the moon, and Argus the starry sky, which, as it were, keeps sleepless watch over her.

In the Allegorical theory, the myth of Io represents the moon, with Argus symbolizing the starry sky that constantly watches over it.

_This exemplifies the Allegorical theory of myth interpretation._

> And now I close my work, which not the ire Of Jove, nor tooth of time, nor sword, nor fire Shall bring to nought.

Ovid declares that his completed work will be indestructible, immune to the wrath of Jupiter, the ravages of time, or destruction by sword or fire.

_This is from the closing lines of Ovid's Metamorphoses, predicting its lasting fame._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxxv-origin-of-mythology-statues-of-gods-and-goddesses-poets-of-mythology
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters