Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
M explained
This chapter serves as a glossary of mythological, legendary, and historical figures, places, and concepts beginning with the letter 'M', including entries from Greek, Roman, Norse, Celtic, and Arthurian traditions, as well as figures from
What happens
This chapter serves as a glossary of mythological, legendary, and historical figures, places, and concepts beginning with the letter 'M', including entries from Greek, Roman, Norse, Celtic, and Arthurian traditions, as well as figures from medieval romance and world mythology.
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
- Cultural Transmission and Education
The chapter functions as an educational glossary, transmitting mythological and legendary knowledge across cultures.
Characters to notice
- Merlin
Listed as 'Merlin, enchanter' and cross-referenced with Myrddin.
- Malagigi
Listed as 'Malagigi the Enchanter, one of Charlemagne’s knights.'
- Manawyddan
Listed as 'Manawyddan, brother of King Vran, of London.'
- Mandricardo
Listed as 'Mandricardo, son of Agrican.'
- Marphisa
Listed as 'Marphisa, sister of Rogero.'
- Medea
Listed as 'Medea, princess and sorceress who aided Jason.'
- Medoro
Listed as 'Medoro, a young Moor, who wins Angelica.'
- Modred
Listed as 'Modred, nephew of King Arthur.'
Key passages
“Muhammad (Ma-homˈed), great prophet of Arabia, born in Mecca, 571 AD , proclaimed worship of God instead of idols, spread his religion through disciples and then by force till it prevailed, with Arabian dominion, over vast regions in Asia, Africa, and Spain in Europe.”
Muhammad, the great prophet of Arabia, was born in Mecca in 571 AD. He called for the worship of one God instead of idols, and his teachings spread first through disciples and later by conquest, establishing Arabian rule across much of Asia, Africa, and Spain.
Summarizes the historical entry on Muhammad's life and the expansion of Islam.
“Marsyas (Marˈsy-as), inventor of the flute, who challenged Apollo to musical competition, and, defeated, was flayed alive.”
Marsyas, credited with inventing the flute, dared to challenge Apollo to a musical contest. After losing, he was skinned alive as punishment.
Condenses the myth of Marsyas and his fatal hubris against Apollo.
