Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
R explained
This chapter provides brief entries for various mythological, legendary, and historical figures, places, and concepts, including the horse Rabican, the Norse Ragnarok, Arthurian items like Rhongomyant and Ron, and knights such as Rinaldo, R
What happens
This chapter provides brief entries for various mythological, legendary, and historical figures, places, and concepts, including the horse Rabican, the Norse Ragnarok, Arthurian items like Rhongomyant and Ron, and knights such as Rinaldo, Rodomont, and Rogero.
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 chapter references knights such as Rinaldo, Rogero, and Rodomont, and the Arthurian Round Table, all central to heroic quests.
- Cultural Transmission and Education
Entries like Rhapsodist, Runic characters, and the listing of legendary figures serve to transmit cultural knowledge.
Characters to notice
- Rinaldo of Montalban
One of the bravest knights of Charlemagne, noted in this chapter.
- Rodomont
King of Algiers, mentioned in this chapter.
- Rogero
Noted Saracen knight, mentioned in this chapter.
- King Arthur
Associated with the Round Table and his lances Rhongomyant and Ron.
- Merlin
Sage who instituted the Round Table for Pendragon.
Key passages
“Ragnarok (Rag-na-rokˈ), the twilight (or ending) of the gods.”
Ragnarok is the twilight or end of the gods in Norse mythology.
Definition of the term Ragnarok.
“Rinaldo (Ri-nalˈdo), one of the bravest knights of Charlemagne.”
Rinaldo is described as one of the most courageous knights serving Charlemagne.
Brief character note for Rinaldo.
“Round Table (Round Table), King Arthur’s, instituted by Merlin the Sage for Pendragon, Arthur’s father, as a knightly order, continued and made famous by Arthur and his knights.”
The Round Table was created by Merlin for Pendragon, Arthur's father, as a knightly order, and later made famous by Arthur and his knights.
Explanation of the origin of the Round Table.
