# Fate and Free Will in Bulfinch’s Mythology

> Theme guide for Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

Characters often struggle against prophecies and predetermined destinies, as with Oedipus or the fall of Troy, yet their choices and actions—like Ulysses' cunning—also shape outcomes, highlighting a tension between fate and agency.

## Where it surfaces

- [III: Apollo and Daphne—Pyramus and Thisbe—Cephalus and Procris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/iii-apollo-and-daphne-pyramus-and-thisbe-cephalus-and-procris): The characters are caught between their own choices and the inescapable outcomes set by divine will or misunderstanding, as seen in the tragic ends of Pyramus and Thisbe and Cephalus and Procris.
- [Pyramus and Thisbe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/pyramus-and-thisbe): The lovers' plan to defy their parents' prohibition ends in tragedy, highlighting the interplay of choice and destiny.
- [Cephalus and Procris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/cephalus-and-procris): Despite Cephalus's faithfulness and Procris's gifts, a series of misunderstandings and coincidences lead to an inescapable tragic outcome, highlighting the interplay of choice and destiny.
- [Diana and Actaeon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/diana-and-actaeon): Actaeon is described as being 'led thither by his destiny,' suggesting that his fate was predetermined, despite his innocent intentions.
- [Phaëton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/v-pha-ton): Despite Apollo's warnings and the clear dangers, Phaëton exercises his free will to pursue his desire, setting in motion his tragic fate.
- [XIII: Nisus and Scylla—Echo and Narcissus—Clytie—Hero and Leander](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xiii-nisus-and-scylla-echo-and-narcissus-clytie-hero-and-leander): Fate decrees Megara's safety depends on Nisus's lock; Scylla's choice to cut it defies fate but leads to tragedy. Leander's fate is sealed by the storm despite his will.
- [Hero and Leander](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/hero-and-leander): Leander ignores storm warnings, choosing love over safety, leading to his fated drowning.
- [XV: The Graeae or Gray-Maids—Perseus—Medusa—Atlas—Andromeda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xv-the-graeae-or-gray-maids-perseus-medusa-atlas-andromeda): Prophecies drive the actions of Acrisius and Atlas, yet Perseus actively shapes his destiny through courage.
- [Monsters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xvi-monsters): Oedipus unknowingly fulfills the prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother, despite efforts to avoid it, highlighting the inescapability of fate.
- [The Sphinx](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-sphinx): Oedipus's attempts to avoid the prophecy only fulfill it, illustrating the inescapability of fate.
- [Meleager and Atalanta](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xviii-meleager-and-atalanta): Meleager's life is bound to a brand by the Fates, yet his mother's choice to burn it fulfills the prophecy; Atalanta's oracle warns against marriage, but she is ultimately overcome by love.
- [Theseus—Daedalus—Castor and Pollux](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xx-theseus-daedalus-castor-and-pollux): Theseus's choice to sail under black sails and his forgetfulness lead to Aegeus's suicide, illustrating the interplay of fate and personal action.
- [Theseus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/theseus): Theseus's choices, such as forgetting to change the sails, lead to his father's suicide, highlighting the interplay of fate and personal actions.
- [Thetis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/thetis): Jupiter alters his plans based on the prophecy, showing how fate overrides even divine desire.
- [XXIII: Achelous and Hercules—Admetus and Alcestis—Antigone—Penelope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxiii-achelous-and-hercules-admetus-and-alcestis-antigone-penelope): The Fates' decree that Admetus must find a substitute, and the doomed fate of Oedipus' family, underscore the tension between destiny and personal choice.
- [Admetus and Alcestis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/admetus-and-alcestis): The Fates decree that Admetus must die unless a substitute is found; Alcestis's choice to die in his place highlights the tension between predetermined fate and human agency.
- [Antigone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/antigone): The Oedipus family is doomed by an unrelenting fate, yet Antigone exercises free will in defying Creon's edict to bury her brother.
- [Penelope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/penelope): Penelope exercises free will in choosing to remain faithful to Ulysses and in her clever delaying tactics, while the suitors' fate is tied to Ulysses' eventual return.
- [Arion—Ibycus—Simonides—Sappho](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxv-arion-ibycus-simonides-sappho): The poets' fates are intertwined with divine intervention and the consequences of their actions, as seen in Arion's rescue and Ibycus's divinely revealed murder.
- [Ibycus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ibycus): The murderers' guilt is exposed by the cranes, suggesting an inescapable fate that brings hidden crimes to light.
- [Simonides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/simonides): Simonides' piety and the intervention of Castor and Pollux demonstrate the role of fate and divine will in sparing him from the collapse.
- [XXVII: The Trojan War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxvii-the-trojan-war): The war's outcome is fated (Troy must fall), yet characters like Achilles and Hector make choices that shape events, illustrating the tension between destiny and personal agency.
- [The Iliad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-iliad): The gods intervene but fate ultimately decrees Troy's fall; Achilles chooses revenge yet is bound by destiny; Jupiter yields to fate regarding Sarpedon's death.
- [The Fall of Troy—Return of the Greeks—Orestes and Electra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxviii-the-fall-of-troy-return-of-the-greeks-orestes-and-electra): The fall of Troy is portrayed as fated, with prophecies and divine interventions (e.g., the Palladium, the arrows of Hercules) guiding events, while characters like Orestes grapple with the command of the oracle versus personal moral horror.
- [The Fall of Troy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-fall-of-troy): Despite warnings and omens, the Trojans choose to bring the horse into the city, fulfilling the prophecy of Troy's fall; Cassandra's unheeded prophecies underscore the tension between fate and human action.
- [Agamemnon, Orestes, and Electra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/agamemnon-orestes-and-electra): Orestes is driven by the commands of the Delphic oracle and the Furies, yet his choices and actions lead to his eventual acquittal, highlighting the tension between divine will and human agency.
- [Adventures of Ulysses—The Lotus-Eaters—Cyclopes—Circe—Sirens—Scylla and Charybdis—Calypso](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxix-adventures-of-ulysses-the-lotus-eaters-cyclopes-circe-sirens-scylla-and-charybdis-calypso): Ulysses' choices, such as taunting Polyphemus and his crew's decision to open the wind bag or slay the cattle, interact with divine will and predetermined outcomes.
- [Return of Ulysses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/return-of-ulysses): Ulysses' fate is intertwined with his own choices and the actions of his crew, such as opening the bag of winds, which alters their destiny.
- [Scylla and Charybdis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/scylla-and-charybdis): Ulysses' crew chooses to violate the sacred cattle despite warnings, leading to their inevitable destruction, highlighting the tension between fate and human choice.
- [The Phaeacians—Fate of the Suitors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxx-the-phaeacians-fate-of-the-suitors): Ulysses' return is guided by divine intervention (Minerva, Neptune) yet requires his own cunning and planning to reclaim his household.
- [The Phaeacians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-phaeacians): Ulysses' journey home is guided by divine intervention (Minerva) and human choice (the Phaeacians' aid), yet Neptune's wrath shows the limits of free will against fate.
- [Fate of the Suitors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/fate-of-the-suitors): Ulysses' return and the suitors' downfall are guided by divine intervention (Minerva) yet also by Ulysses' own cunning and actions.
- [Adventures of Aeneas—The Harpies—Dido—Palinurus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxxi-adventures-of-aeneas-the-harpies-dido-palinurus): The interplay of divine intervention (Juno's wrath, Neptune's aid) and Aeneas's determined actions highlights the tension between fate and human agency.
- [Adventures of Aeneas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/adventures-of-aeneas): Aeneas is guided by oracles and divine warnings (the bleeding bush, the dream) yet must navigate obstacles raised by hostile gods like Juno.
- [Dido](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/dido): Aeneas is torn between his personal desire to stay with Dido and his fated mission to found Rome, ultimately obeying divine command.
- [Palinurus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/palinurus): Neptune's demand for a life as ransom and Palinurus's doomed fate illustrate the tension between divine decree and human agency.
- [XXXII: The Infernal Regions—The Sibyl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxxii-the-infernal-regions-the-sibyl): Aeneas's journey to the underworld is guided by fate, as he seeks his father to learn the destiny of Rome, while the Sibyl's prophetic leaves and the oracles of the Sibylline Books represent the interplay of fate and human choice.
- [The Infernal Regions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-infernal-regions): Anchises reveals the predetermined future of Rome, while the punishments in Tartarus reflect moral choices made in life, highlighting the interplay of fate and personal responsibility.
- [The Sibyl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-sibyl): The Sibyl's prophetic leaves, which can be scattered by the wind, symbolize the fragility of fate and the consequences of human choices.
- [Camilla—Evander—Nisus and Euryalus—Mezentius—Turnus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxxiii-camilla-evander-nisus-and-euryalus-mezentius-turnus): Aeneas's destiny to found Rome is fulfilled through oracles and omens (the eating of tables), while Juno's interference represents the struggle against fate.
- [Opening the Gates of Janus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/opening-the-gates-of-janus): Juno's divine intervention overrides the king's refusal, forcing the country into war and illustrating the tension between human choice and divine will.
- [Evander](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/evander): Aeneas follows the divine vision and his destined path, yet must actively choose to obey and persevere.
- [Infant Rome](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/infant-rome): The prophecy that the Etruscans' leader must come from across the sea, and Evander's recognition of Aeneas as the destined leader, underscore the role of fate in shaping events.
- [Pallas, Camilla, Turnus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/pallas-camilla-turnus): The conflict is driven by destiny's decree favoring Aeneas, while Turnus's choices and divine abandonment highlight the tension between fate and personal agency.
- [Oracles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/oracles): Oracles were consulted to learn about fate and future events, reflecting the tension between divine predestination and human agency.
- [Northern Mythology—Valhalla—The Valkyrior](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxxviii-northern-mythology-valhalla-the-valkyrior): The Norns (Urdur, Verdandi, Skuld) dispense fate, engraving runes on a shield, while Odin seeks to gather heroes to influence the final battle.
- [Northern Mythology](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/northern-mythology): The Norns (Urdur, Verdandi, Skuld) dispense fate, engraving runes on a metal shield, emphasizing the inescapable nature of destiny in Norse mythology.
- [The Valkyrie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-valkyrie): The Valkyrie determine who shall die in battle, embodying fate.
- [Of Loki and His Progeny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/of-loki-and-his-progeny): The gods' foreknowledge of the monsters' future evil drives their actions, yet they are unable to prevent the eventual doom (Ragnarok).
- [XL: The Death of Baldur—The Elves—Runic Letters—Iceland—Teutonic Mythology—Nibelungen Lied](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xl-the-death-of-baldur-the-elves-runic-letters-iceland-teutonic-mythology-nibelungen-lied): Baldur's death is foretold by dreams, and despite Frigga's efforts to protect him, Loki's manipulation and Hodur's unwitting act fulfill the prophecy, illustrating the tension between fate and attempts to alter it.
- [The Death of Baldur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-death-of-baldur): Despite the gods' efforts to protect Baldur through oaths, Loki's manipulation and the mistletoe's oversight demonstrate the inescapable nature of fate.
- [Ragnarok, the Twilight of the Gods](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ragnarok-the-twilight-of-the-gods): The prophecy of Ragnarok is inescapable, with gods and mortals alike fated to perish, yet they choose to fight bravely.
- [Wagner’s Nibelungen Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/wagner-s-nibelungen-ring): The Norns weave destiny, yet characters like Wotan and Siegfried make choices that accelerate the prophesied doom.
- [The Mythical History of England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ii-the-mythical-history-of-england): Brutus's journey is guided by divine prophecy (Diana's vision) and oracles, yet his actions—such as accidentally killing his father and leading the Trojan exiles—are driven by personal choices and circumstances.
- [Leir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/leir): Leir's free choice to disinherit Cordeilla based on flattery sets his fate in motion, yet his later repentance and Cordeilla's intervention restore his throne.
- [Ferrex and Porrex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ferrex-and-porrex): The brothers' choices to fight and the mother's deliberate act of vengeance shape a tragic outcome, highlighting the interplay of human will and destined ruin.
- [Elidure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/elidure): Elidure's choice to abdicate and restore his brother demonstrates free will overcoming the fate of dynastic conflict.
- [Cassibellaunus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/cassibellaunus): Caesar's decision to retreat reflects the interplay of fate and choice in the outcome of the invasion.
- [Kymbelinus, or Cymbeline](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/kymbelinus-or-cymbeline): The narrative shows how Cymbeline's fate as a hostage leads to his peaceful reign, while his sons' choice to rebel brings war and death.
- [III: Merlin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/iii-merlin): Merlin is aware of his 'fatal destiny' yet imparts secrets to Viviane, leading to his imprisonment; his prophecy to Gawain about the Graal quest underscores predestined events.
- [IV: Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/iv-arthur): Arthur's destiny as king is revealed through the miraculous sword in the stone, while Merlin's prophecies and enchantments guide events, blending fate with human action.
- [King Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/king-arthur): Merlin's prophecy that one brother must fall in battle and his orchestration of Uther's deception highlight the tension between destiny and human choice.
- [Arthur Chosen King](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/arthur-chosen-king): The miraculous sword in the stone represents divine fate choosing Arthur, while the nobles' opposition and Arthur's actions show the interplay of human will.
- [Guenever](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/guenever): Merlin's prophecies and plans guide Arthur's actions, yet Arthur's choices in battle and love shape the outcome.
- [Arthur (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/v-arthur-continued): Merlin's prophecies and the enchanted sword from the Lady of the Lake suggest a predetermined destiny for Arthur.
- [King Arthur Gets a Sword from the Lady of the Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/king-arthur-gets-a-sword-from-the-lady-of-the-lake): Merlin's foreknowledge and enchantment shape events, yet Arthur's choices and courage determine his fate.
- [Launcelot of the Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/viii-launcelot-of-the-lake): Launcelot's destiny as the greatest knight is shaped by both his upbringing by the Lady of the Lake and his own choices in battle and love, highlighting the interplay of fate and personal agency.
- [XII: Tristram and Isoude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xii-tristram-and-isoude): The accidental consumption of the love potion and Tristram's oath to King Mark illustrate the tension between destined events and personal choices.
- [Sir Tristram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xvii-sir-tristram): Tristram's fate is sealed by the deception about the sails, despite his efforts to summon Queen Isoude.
- [XXI: The Sangreal (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxi-the-sangreal-continued): Bohort's choice between rescuing his brother and aiding a maiden demonstrates the tension between personal loyalty and chivalric duty, guided by divine will.
- [Sir Bohort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/sir-bohort): Bohort's moral dilemma and the divine intervention that prevents him from killing his brother highlight the tension between human choice and providential guidance.
- [Sir Launcelot (Resumed)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/sir-launcelot-resumed): Launcelot's attempt to enter the Grail chamber is thwarted by a divine voice, suggesting that his fate is determined by his faith and worthiness.
- [Morte d'Arthur](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xxiii-morte-d-arthur): Arthur's dream of Gawain warns him of his fate, yet he still faces Modred; the prophecy of his return blurs the line between destiny and choice.
- [VIII: Pwyll, Prince of Dyved](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/viii-pwyll-prince-of-dyved): Pwyll's rash promise to Gawl threatens his destiny with Rhiannon, but her clever intervention restores their intended path.
- [Manawyddan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/x-manawyddan): The characters are subject to a magical fate imposed by Lloyd, yet Manawyddan's clever actions (catching the mouse, bargaining) exercise free will to reverse the enchantment.
- [Taliesin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/xiii-taliesin): Elphin's initial ill luck is reversed by the miraculous appearance of Taliesin, suggesting fate can be altered by divine or magical intervention.
- [Beowulf](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/beowulf): Beowulf acknowledges 'Wyrd' (fate) as he faces his final battle, yet he chooses to confront the dragon willingly.
- [The Invasion of France](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-invasion-of-france): The prophecy of the aged king and the magical constraints on Rogero highlight the tension between fate and individual choice.
- [The Invasion of France (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-invasion-of-france-continued): Atlantes attempts to thwart destiny by trapping Rogero in an enchanted castle, but his efforts are ultimately in vain against the will of Heaven.
- [Bradamante and Rogero](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/bradamante-and-rogero): Atlantes tries to avert Rogero's prophesied doom by imprisoning him, but his efforts are thwarted by Bradamante's intervention and Rogero's own choices.
- [The Orc](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-orc): Angelica's capture by the Ebudians and Rogero's entrapment in Atlantes' castle illustrate the tension between fate and individual agency.
- [The War in Africa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-war-in-africa): The broken truce and Melissa's deception highlight the tension between predetermined outcomes and human choices.
- [The Battle of Roncesvalles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-battle-of-roncesvalles): Orlando's choices—ignoring warnings, refusing to sound the horn—lead to his doom, yet he accepts his fate with dignity.
- [Huon of Bordeaux](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/huon-of-bordeaux): Huon's choices in the ambush and combat, contrasted with the predetermined conditions imposed by Charlemagne.
- [Huon of Bordeaux (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/huon-of-bordeaux-continued): Huon's pure conscience protects him from Oberon's enchantments, highlighting the role of moral choice.
- [Ogier, the Dane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ogier-the-dane): The fairy blessings at Ogier's birth predestine his invincibility and immortality, yet his choices and actions shape his path.
- [Ogier, the Dane (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ogier-the-dane-continued): Ogier's destiny is guided by divine command (angel's message) and his own choices regarding vengeance and mercy.
- [Ogier, the Dane (Continued)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/ogier-the-dane-continued): Ogier's choice to leave Morgana and return to Charlemagne's court reflects the tension between fate (his destiny as a hero) and free will.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/themes/fate_and_free_will
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/themes