# Y explained — Bulfinch’s Mythology

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

## What happens

This chapter provides brief entries on mythological and legendary figures and places beginning with the letter Y, including the Hindu god Yama, the Norse tree Yggdrasil, the giant Ymir, and several characters from Arthurian legend such as Ynywl, Yserone, and Yspadaden Penkawr.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Immortality

Yama as god of the dead and Yggdrasil as the world-tree sustaining the cosmos both touch on themes of death and eternal life.

## Character check-ins

### Odin

Mentioned as the slayer of the giant Ymir in Norse mythology.

### Geraint

Hosted by Earl Ynywl, who is the father of Enid.

### Enid

Daughter of Earl Ynywl, host of Geraint.

### King Arthur

Uncle of Yserone, who is the mother of Caradoc.

## Key lines

> Yama (Yaˈma), Hindu god of the Infernal Regions.

Yama is the Hindu deity who rules the underworld.

_Introduces the figure of Yama._

> Yggdrasil (Yg-draˈsil), great ash tree, supposed by Norse mythology to support the universe.

Yggdrasil is the immense ash tree that, according to Norse myth, holds up the cosmos.

_Describes the cosmological role of Yggdrasil._

> Ymir (Yˈmir), giant, slain by Odin.

Ymir is a giant killed by the god Odin.

_Notes Ymir's death at Odin's hands._

## Links

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