Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Rhoecus explained
Rhoecus saves an oak tree from falling, earning the gratitude of the Hamadryad nymph who lives within it.
What happens
Rhoecus saves an oak tree from falling, earning the gratitude of the Hamadryad nymph who lives within it. He asks for her love, and she agrees on the condition that he remain faithful, with a bee as her messenger. When Rhoecus carelessly brushes the bee away, the nymph punishes him by taking his sight.
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
- Love and Transformation
Rhoecus's love for the Hamadryad leads to a brief union, but his carelessness transforms the relationship into a punishment of blindness.
- Hospitality and Its Violation
The nymph offers Rhoecus a reward and her love, but he violates the trust by ignoring her messenger, leading to retribution.
Characters to notice
- Rhoecus
A mortal who saves a Hamadryad's oak and wins her love, but loses his sight after dismissing her bee messenger.
Key passages
“Rhoecus, happening to see an oak just ready to fall, ordered his servants to prop it up.”
Rhoecus noticed an oak tree about to topple and commanded his servants to support it.
Sets up the act of kindness that earns the nymph's gratitude.
“One time the bee came to Rhoecus when he was playing at draughts and he carelessly brushed it away.”
Once, while Rhoecus was playing checkers, the bee arrived and he absentmindedly swatted it aside.
The critical moment of neglect that triggers the nymph's punishment.
