Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
G explained
This chapter provides an alphabetical listing of mythological, legendary, and historical figures, places, and concepts beginning with the letter 'G', including entries on Gaea, Galahad, Gawain, Geraint, the Golden Fleece, the Gorgons, the H
What happens
This chapter provides an alphabetical listing of mythological, legendary, and historical figures, places, and concepts beginning with the letter 'G', including entries on Gaea, Galahad, Gawain, Geraint, the Golden Fleece, the Gorgons, the Holy Graal, Guenevere, and many others from Greek, Roman, Arthurian, Norse, and other traditions.
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
- Heroism and the Quest
The Holy Graal is described as a sacred cup lost and recovered through a sacred quest for Arthur’s knights, embodying the theme of heroic pursuit.
- Mortality and Immortality
Ganymede is carried off to Olympus to live among the immortal gods, contrasting mortal beauty with divine immortality.
Characters to notice
- Sir Galahad
The pure knight of Arthur’s Round Table, who safely took the Siege Perilous.
- Sir Gawain
Arthur’s knight.
- Geraint
A knight of King Arthur.
- Gradasso
King of Sericane.
- Queen Guenever
Wife of King Arthur, beloved by Launcelot.
- Gareth
Arthur’s knight.
Key passages
“Galahad (Galˈa-had), Sir, the pure knight of Arthur’s Round Table, who safely took the Siege Perilous.”
Sir Galahad, the virtuous knight of King Arthur's court, was the only one who could occupy the dangerous Siege Perilous seat without harm.
Highlights Galahad's purity and unique achievement.
“Ganymede (Ganˈy-mede), the most beautiful of all mortals; carried off to Olympus that he might fill the cup of Zeus and live among the immortal gods.”
Ganymede, the most handsome human, was taken to Mount Olympus to serve as Zeus's cupbearer and gain immortality.
Illustrates the theme of mortality versus immortality.
