Bulfinch’s Mythology · Question
How does Bulfinch’s Mythology develop the theme of Mortality and Immortality?
Answer
Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch develops Mortality and Immortality across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The contrast between mortal suffering and divine immortality is explored through heroes who seek eternal fame, gods who envy human love, and tales of death, the underworld, and apotheosis.
The creation of man from earth and the gift of fire highlight the boundary between mortal and immortal; Prometheus's immortal suffering contrasts with human mortality.
Io and Callisto undergo physical transformations that blur the line between human and animal, while Callisto is ultimately immortalized among the stars.
Callisto's mortal form is lost to a bear's body, but she is ultimately granted immortality as a constellation.
Evidence in the book
- Prometheus and Pandora
The creation of man from earth and the gift of fire highlight the boundary between mortal and immortal; Prometheus's immortal suffering contrasts with human mortality.
- IV: Juno and Her Rivals, Io and Callisto—Diana and Actaeon—Latona and the Rustics
Io and Callisto undergo physical transformations that blur the line between human and animal, while Callisto is ultimately immortalized among the stars.
- Callisto
Callisto's mortal form is lost to a bear's body, but she is ultimately granted immortality as a constellation.
- Baucis and Philemon
The couple's wish to die together is granted, yet they achieve a form of immortality through their transformation and continued existence as sacred trees.
- Proserpine—Glaucus and Scylla
Ceres attempts to make the mortal boy Triptolemus immortal, but is thwarted by his mother; Glaucus gains immortality as a sea-god but suffers from unrequited love.
- VIII: Pygmalion—Dryope—Venus and Adonis—Apollo and Hyacinthus
The myths explore the tension between mortal death and immortal legacy through flowers and memorials created by gods.
- Dryope
Dryope's mortal life is cut short as she is transformed into an immortal tree, blurring the line between human and divine nature.
- Venus and Adonis
The mortal Adonis dies despite Venus's divine love and warnings, while Venus, an immortal goddess, creates an enduring floral memorial.
