Bulfinch’s Mythology · Question
How does Bulfinch’s Mythology develop the theme of Jealousy and Revenge?
Answer
Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch develops Jealousy and Revenge across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Jealousy among gods and mortals frequently sparks cycles of vengeance, such as Juno's persecution of Hercules, Medea's revenge on Jason, and the bloody conflicts in the Nibelungenlied.
Procris's jealousy, sparked by a false report, drives her to spy on Cephalus, resulting in her accidental death—a tragic consequence of unfounded suspicion.
Juno's jealousy drives her to punish Jupiter's mortal lovers Io and Callisto, demonstrating the destructive power of divine wrath.
Juno's jealousy of Callisto leads to a cruel transformation and a vengeful attempt to deny her honor in the heavens.
Evidence in the book
- Cephalus and Procris
Procris's jealousy, sparked by a false report, drives her to spy on Cephalus, resulting in her accidental death—a tragic consequence of unfounded suspicion.
- IV: Juno and Her Rivals, Io and Callisto—Diana and Actaeon—Latona and the Rustics
Juno's jealousy drives her to punish Jupiter's mortal lovers Io and Callisto, demonstrating the destructive power of divine wrath.
- Callisto
Juno's jealousy of Callisto leads to a cruel transformation and a vengeful attempt to deny her honor in the heavens.
- Latona and the Rustics
Juno's jealousy drives Latona's exile, and Latona's revenge turns the rustics into frogs.
- Proserpine—Glaucus and Scylla
Circe's jealousy of Scylla drives her to use magic to punish her rival, transforming her into a monster.
- Glaucus and Scylla
Circe's jealousy of Scylla and her vengeful transformation of the nymph into a monster.
- Apollo and Hyacinthus
Zephyrus's jealousy of Apollo's bond with Hyacinthus drives him to cause the fatal accident, illustrating how envy can lead to destruction.
- Cupid and Psyche
Venus's jealousy of Psyche's beauty drives the plot, leading to vengeful trials.
