Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
D explained
This chapter provides a glossary of mythological, legendary, and historical figures and places, including Daedalus, Danaë, Daphne, Dardanus, Diana, Dido, and others, with brief descriptions of their roles and stories.
What happens
This chapter provides a glossary of mythological, legendary, and historical figures and places, including Daedalus, Danaë, Daphne, Dardanus, Diana, Dido, and others, with brief descriptions of their roles and stories.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Transformation
Daphne is changed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo's love; Dryope is transformed into a lotus plant.
- Mortality and Immortality
Figures like Daphne and Dryope undergo transformation, blurring the line between mortal and immortal states.
Characters to notice
- Danaë
Mother of Perseus by Jupiter.
- Phoebus Apollo
Loved Daphne, who was changed into a laurel tree.
- Diana
Goddess of the moon and the chase, daughter of Jupiter and Latona.
- Dido
Queen of Tyre and Carthage who entertained the shipwrecked Aeneas.
- Jupiter
Father of Danaë's child Perseus and of Diana.
- Perseus
Son of Danaë and Jupiter.
- Aeneas
Shipwrecked hero entertained by Dido.
- Orlando
Owner of the sword Durindana.
Key passages
“Daedalus (Daeˈda-lus), architect of the Cretan Labyrinth; inventor of sails.”
Daedalus designed the Labyrinth in Crete and is credited with inventing sails.
Introduces Daedalus as a key inventor and architect.
“Danaë (Danˈa-e), mother of Perseus by Jupiter.”
Danaë is the mother of Perseus, fathered by Jupiter.
Highlights Danaë's role in the lineage of Perseus.
“Daphne (Daphˈne), maiden loved by Apollo, and changed into a laurel tree.”
Daphne was pursued by Apollo and transformed into a laurel tree.
Illustrates a myth of transformation due to divine love.
“Dido (Diˈdo), queen of Tyre and Carthage, entertained the shipwrecked Aeneas.”
Dido, the queen of Tyre and Carthage, hosted Aeneas after his shipwreck.
References the famous encounter from the Aeneid.
