Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Giants, Sphinx, Pegasus and Chimaera, Centaurs, Griffin, and Pygmies explained
This chapter catalogs various mythological monsters, describing their unnatural proportions, hybrid forms, and the terror they inspired.
What happens
This chapter catalogs various mythological monsters, describing their unnatural proportions, hybrid forms, and the terror they inspired. It distinguishes between human-like giants such as Cyclopes and Antaeus, who interacted with mortals, and superhuman giants like Tityus and Enceladus who warred with the gods. The narrative recounts the giants' rebellion, their temporary routing of the gods into Egypt (where the gods assumed animal forms), and their eventual defeat by Jupiter's thunderbolts, forged by the Cyclopes under Minerva's instruction.
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 Exposition.
- 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
- Hubris and Divine Retribution
The giants' rebellion against the gods exemplifies hubris, leading to their violent defeat by Jupiter's thunderbolts.
- Mortality and Immortality
The contrast between mortal giants (like Antaeus) who interact with humans and immortal giants who challenge the gods highlights the boundary between mortal and divine.
Characters to notice
- Jupiter
Took the form of a ram during the giants' war, later worshipped as Ammon in Egypt; ultimately subdued the giants with thunderbolts.
- Phoebus Apollo
Fled from the giants and hid by taking the form of a crow.
- Minerva
Invented the thunderbolt and taught Vulcan and the Cyclopes to make it for Jupiter.
- Vulcan
Taught by Minerva to forge thunderbolts for Jupiter with the help of the Cyclopes.
- Antaeus
Mentioned as a human-like giant who mingled with mortals.
Key passages
“At one time they put the gods to such fear that they fled into Egypt and hid themselves under various forms.”
The giants terrified the gods so much that the gods escaped to Egypt and disguised themselves as animals.
Illustrates the temporary panic of the Olympian gods during the Gigantomachy.
“At another time the giants attempted to climb up into heaven, and for that purpose took up the mountain Ossa and piled it on Pelion.”
The giants tried to reach heaven by stacking Mount Pelion on top of Mount Ossa.
Describes the famous myth of the giants' assault on Olympus by piling mountains.
