Post Six

A classic never fades. The Arthurian Legends are tales that will always be known and taught to future generations. It's funny that our teachers continue to teach us the legends of Arthur and the round table while in one story, "A Candle in the Wind", Arthur gives great responsibility to a young boy to pass down his story. It is as if the myth has come to life and will always live on because who can pass up a story of damsels in distress, a bit of magic, and knights in shining armor?

Many written works of art surfaced around the time of 1450 when "Morte d'Arthur" written by Sir Thomas Mallory was published. His story spoke of the tales and adventures of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Their compelling stories are filled with the magic of Merlin, the devious feats of Mordrid, and the back stabbing of Morgan Le Faye. People love reading about drama, it is addicting and interesting.

The Arthurian Legends not only include handsome young Lancelot, but they throw in a moral or lesson to be learned. One of my favorites, the story of Lady Ragnell, has a very sweet message towards women. Gawain is faced with a challenge from a mystical knight and it is to find out the truth of what women really desire. In a years time, Gawain must have the answer or else he will die. Long story short, he discovers the answer after marrying a grotesque woman of the forest who has the answer to what he is looking for. He marries her and in return for his nonjudgmental ways and he not judging the book by its cover, is surprised when a beautiful woman under a spell is revealed. The one thing woman desire most is to be given free will and the choice to do as they please. I think people enjoy reading insightful tales that can spice up their own lives and even make a few of them rethink the way they live. That is what I feel a story or book should do, question your own beliefs, make you think a little.

So if the Arthurian legends are continuing to be passed down through many different pieces of literature then chivalry really isn't dead.

post 5

We've read quite a few passages from Le Morte D'Arthur written by Mallory and we are in the middle of reading Sir Gawain and the Green Knight translated by Raffel. The stories are full of passion, adventure and romance; what isn't there to like ? Most of the tales resemble each other but they do have their own qualities that make them very interesting. For example, one story we read was Sir Gawain and Lady Ragnell and it included a great life lesson about how to treat a lady, as well as some danger and action. I like reading these stories and I enjoy the whole vibe of the medieval time period. The way the tales are written aren't overly outrageous either, the story lines are easy to follow. A hint of mystery is painted through the texts, " And now Gawain: think, danger is yours to overcome and this game brings you danger. Can the game be won? " (Sir Gawain and the GK. 62). I love the way I have to wrap my head around some of the writing and I am entertained by the characters and their gallivanting.