Oracle Database Discussions

Not that I have a problem with this, I am just wondering how it works.

In catalog.sql I can find these statements:

create or replace view v_$database as select * from v$database;
create or replace public synonym v$database for v_$database;

In obj$ I cannot find a table called v$database.

Now I'm wondering why may the view be created if there is no table? Is it because Oracle internally recognises this 'table_name' as something it can provide data for? If so, why create the view and synonym for it? why not directly the synonym? Is it because the view can be described?

Thanx,
Lennert
ps. v$database is an example, this is the same for all dynamic performance views as far as I can see