Without a knowledge of mythology much of the elegant literature of our own language cannot be understood and appreciated.

The quote by Thomas Bulfinch emphasizes the importance of mythology in understanding and appreciating literature. He argues that many works of elegant literature draw heavily on mythological references, symbols, and themes, and without knowledge of these, readers miss deeper meanings. For Bulfinch, mythology is not just a collection of old stories but a cultural key that unlocks the richness of poetry, drama, and prose.

By highlighting the role of knowledge, Bulfinch points out that myths provide context and depth. Writers throughout history—from Shakespeare and Milton to modern poets—have woven mythological allusions into their works. Without familiarity with figures like Zeus, Venus, or Hercules, readers risk overlooking the artistic layers and subtleties within these texts. Thus, mythology serves as a shared cultural language that enriches interpretation.

The quote also reflects Bulfinch’s larger mission to make mythology accessible to ordinary readers. In an age when classical education was fading from general schooling, he believed that people still needed an entry point to understand the literary tradition of the West. His approach was to present myths in plain, engaging prose, connecting them directly to literature so that readers could see their influence.

The origin of this quote lies in Bulfinch’s preface to Bulfinch’s Mythology (first published in the mid-19th century). His work became one of the most widely read collections of classical myths in the English-speaking world, precisely because it was designed as a companion to literature. Through this statement, Bulfinch makes clear that mythology is not a relic of the past but a living foundation for cultural and literary understanding.