“There would be a day – there must be a day – when he would come back to Gramarye with a new Round Table which had no corners, just as the world had none – a table without boundaries between the nations who would sit to feast there. The hope of making it would lie in culture. (…)
The cannons of his adversary were thundering in the tattered morning when the Majesty of England drew himself up to meet the future with a peaceful heart.
RE[X] QUONDAM RE[X]QUE FUTUR[US]
THE BEGINNING” (Terence Hanbury White, "The Once and Future King")
This quote from T. H. White’s "The Once and Future King" is not the only reference to King Arthur’s return we can find when looking through the different Arthurian stories or that which is scattered among folk tales. Arthur is often carried away in a boat to Avalon, to be healed of his wounds and to return afterwards. In Italy, an “Arturo Magno” is believed to live within Mount Etna, occasionally seen, and also waiting for the day of his return. The Irish say he “rides round a rath” with raised sword, to the tune of Londonderry Air. The Scottish swear to him in Edinburgh, believing he presides from Arthur’s Seat. The Britons still can hear his horn and see his armour. There seems to be a strong yearning within all kinds of people that refuses to let King Arthur die.
T.H. White first published his book in 1958, about one millennium and a century after the early medieval historian Nennius wrote about Arthur, and eight centuries after Geoffrey of Monmouth’s influential book "The History of the Kings of Britain". And even today, in the early days of the third millennium, the mystery and fascination about Arthur, his knights, his queen Guinevere and Merlin the Wizard is still unbroken.
Table of Contents
- Myths And Legends
- The Sword Excalibur
- The Quest For The Holy Grail
- Avalon, The Lost Isle
- Tintagel And Glastonbury
- The Role Of Women
- Love And Adultery
- Subtle Power
- Guinevere
- Magical Friends And Foes
- Enchanting Ladies
- Merlin, The Wizard
- Movie Adaptations and Their Role-Models
- King Arthur (2004)
- First Knight (1995)
- Merlin (1998)
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper explores the enduring fascination with the Arthurian legends, examining their evolution and continued relevance in modern culture. It investigates the key elements that have contributed to their lasting appeal across centuries and different media. The study also analyzes the portrayal of women and the role of magic within the Arthurian world.
- The enduring appeal of the Arthurian legends.
- The evolution of key figures and symbols (e.g., Excalibur, the Holy Grail, Avalon).
- The representation of women in Arthurian romances and their evolving roles.
- The significance of magic and magical figures (e.g., Merlin, Morgan le Fay).
- The influence of Arthurian legends on modern adaptations in film.
Chapter Summaries
Myths And Legends: This chapter delves into the core myths and legends surrounding King Arthur, exploring iconic symbols such as Excalibur, representing power and authority; the Holy Grail, symbolizing spiritual quests and ideals; Avalon, the mystical island associated with healing and Arthur's potential return; and the historical sites of Tintagel and Glastonbury, linked to Arthur's birth and burial. The chapter explores how these elements have evolved and persisted through various interpretations and adaptations of the Arthurian stories.
The Role Of Women: This chapter examines the complex roles of women within the Arthurian world. It analyzes the depiction of love and adultery, exploring the nuances of relationships and the consequences of choices. It further investigates the subtle power dynamics at play, showcasing how women wielded influence despite societal constraints. Finally, the chapter provides a focused study of Guinevere, exploring her multifaceted character and significance within the narratives.
Magical Friends And Foes: This section focuses on the prominent role of magic and magical beings in the Arthurian legends. It analyzes the portrayal of enchanting ladies like Morgan le Fay and the Lady of the Lake, exploring their duality as both adversaries and allies to Arthur, and sometimes lovers. Furthermore, it delves into the character of Merlin, analyzing his immense power, knowledge, and enduring influence as a father figure to many wizards in various retellings.
Movie Adaptations and Their Role-Models: This chapter analyzes three recent film adaptations of Arthurian legends, examining how these movies reinterpret the characters and stories. The discussion considers how these modern interpretations engage with the enduring themes of the original legends while also reflecting contemporary values and cinematic techniques.
Keywords
Arthurian legends, King Arthur, Excalibur, Holy Grail, Avalon, Guinevere, Merlin, Morgan le Fay, chivalry, romance, magic, power, women in Arthurian legends, movie adaptations, modern interpretations.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Arthurian Legends
What is the main topic of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of Arthurian legends, examining their key themes, characters, and evolution through various interpretations, including modern film adaptations. It explores the enduring appeal of these legends and analyzes their lasting impact on culture.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
The text explores several key themes, including the enduring appeal of Arthurian legends, the evolution of key figures and symbols (Excalibur, the Holy Grail, Avalon), the representation of women and their evolving roles, the significance of magic and magical figures (Merlin, Morgan le Fay), and the influence of Arthurian legends on modern film adaptations.
What are the main sections covered in the text?
The text is divided into four main sections: Myths and Legends (exploring core myths and iconic symbols), The Role of Women (analyzing the complex roles of women in the Arthurian world), Magical Friends and Foes (focusing on the role of magic and magical beings), and Movie Adaptations and Their Role-Models (analyzing recent film interpretations of the legends).
Which specific myths and legends are discussed?
The "Myths and Legends" section delves into the stories of Excalibur (the sword), the Holy Grail (the spiritual quest), Avalon (the mystical island), and the historical locations of Tintagel and Glastonbury, all significant in Arthurian lore.
How are women portrayed in Arthurian legends, according to this text?
The text examines the complex roles of women, exploring themes of love and adultery, subtle power dynamics, and the multifaceted character of Guinevere. It highlights how women exerted influence despite societal constraints.
What is the role of magic and magical figures in Arthurian legends?
The section on "Magical Friends and Foes" explores the significance of magic and magical beings, focusing on figures like Morgan le Fay and Merlin. It analyzes their duality as both allies and adversaries to Arthur, and their influence on the narratives.
Which movie adaptations are discussed in the text?
The text analyzes three film adaptations: King Arthur (2004), First Knight (1995), and Merlin (1998), examining how these films reinterpret the characters and stories, reflecting contemporary values and cinematic techniques.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Key words include: Arthurian legends, King Arthur, Excalibur, Holy Grail, Avalon, Guinevere, Merlin, Morgan le Fay, chivalry, romance, magic, power, women in Arthurian legends, movie adaptations, and modern interpretations.
What is the overall purpose of this text?
The text aims to provide a structured and professional analysis of Arthurian legends, exploring their enduring appeal, evolution, and influence across centuries and different media. It serves as a valuable resource for academic study of the subject.
- Citation du texte
- Nadine Wolf (Auteur), 2006, The Arthurian Legends and Their Legacy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/58039
