Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Y explained
This chapter provides brief entries on mythological and legendary figures and places beginning with the letter Y, including the Hindu god Yama, the Norse tree Yggdrasil, the giant Ymir, and several characters from Arthurian legend such as Y
What happens
This chapter provides brief entries on mythological and legendary figures and places beginning with the letter Y, including the Hindu god Yama, the Norse tree Yggdrasil, the giant Ymir, and several characters from Arthurian legend such as Ynywl, Yserone, and Yspadaden Penkawr.
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
- Mortality and Immortality
Yama as god of the dead and Yggdrasil as the world-tree sustaining the cosmos both touch on themes of death and eternal life.
Characters to notice
- Odin
Mentioned as the slayer of the giant Ymir in Norse mythology.
- Geraint
Hosted by Earl Ynywl, who is the father of Enid.
- Enid
Daughter of Earl Ynywl, host of Geraint.
- King Arthur
Uncle of Yserone, who is the mother of Caradoc.
Key passages
“Yama (Yaˈma), Hindu god of the Infernal Regions.”
Yama is the Hindu deity who rules the underworld.
Introduces the figure of Yama.
“Yggdrasil (Yg-draˈsil), great ash tree, supposed by Norse mythology to support the universe.”
Yggdrasil is the immense ash tree that, according to Norse myth, holds up the cosmos.
Describes the cosmological role of Yggdrasil.
“Ymir (Yˈmir), giant, slain by Odin.”
Ymir is a giant killed by the god Odin.
Notes Ymir's death at Odin's hands.
