http://www.gamestar.de/spiele/king-arthur-the-roleplaying-game/bilder/wallpaper/44633.html JPEG. file

Monday, November 19, 2012


 
 
Durer, Albrecht. King Arthur. 1520. Statue designed by Albercht Durer. Wikipedia. JPEG file.

 

 

Arthur is regarded as the king of the Arthurian universe. This hero of medieval literature can be a complicated yet simple figure. He is depicted as a powerful warlord in Welsh and Latin traditions, but becomes a weak and passive character in Chretien’s romances. In many of the early texts, he is unfailingly portrayed as being one dimensional with little or no emotion. The 13th century Lancelot-Graal presents a different king, revealing more of the man underneath the crown.  In other tales, his emotions are explored and integrated into a plot to reveal the consequences for his actions on other characters and the Arthurian world all together. Many authors have been selective in their presentation of Arthur’s life, more so than any other folklore character. There is a consistent dichotomy between Arthur the king and Arthur the man. Arthur is often in conflict with himself because of his public and private persona's. Doesn’t this problem sound familiar? History tends to repeat itself.  Arthur evolves from a newly crowned king to a seasoned monarch who eventually falls and watches his kingdom fall.  I have read many stories about kings who have gained and lost power. Maybe Arthur’s legend is part of a cycle that warns about the consequences of power.


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Intrigued By A Legend


Image Source Page: http://www.wallpaperhere.com/GOLD%20IRONMAN_5364 JPEG file.


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I have been interested in folklore ever since I was a young child. My interest in the tale of King Arthur was triggered when I first viewed the classic film "Excalibur." From that moment on, the epic adventures of this hero has continued to tweak my curiosity. Did this person really exist? Could this character be a representation of someone important in ancient history? His existence has often been a topic of debate between scholars and modern historians. Throughout time King Arthur has been depicted as a great warrior and on the other hand as a majestic being of folklore. The story of Arthur, being fable or truth, has been a transcendent one. This 5th century king has a legend that has lived on throughout the centuries and is still popular today. Arthur continues to be a favorite subject in movies, books, and plays. This is possible because the Medieval Period provides a sense of mystery, fantasy, and adventure. These themes are epitomized by the legend of Arthur. Literature has seen many developments and new trends, but Arthur’s legacy has continued to remain relevant through these developments. The objective of this blog is to illustrate the importance of King Arthur and determine if he really existed.