The Woman in Arthurian Legend

A detailed Summary of The Woman in Arthurian Legend

Sir Thomas Malory spent his twilight years weaving tangled webs of adventure, love, lust, and deceit. These stories hold their origins in the kingdom of Camelot, where the masculine figure of the Knight of the Round Table dominates. At the helm of this fraternity was King Arthur, as vassal of God. Galahad, Gaheris, Gareth, Lancelot, and Sir Bors are only a sampling of the great men that graced the seats around the great table. However, it would be careless to disregard the female characters within Arthurian Legend. Malory uses women in his tales to illustrate personal views, and the views that may have been held during the ancient times when Camelot stood proudly as a staple in the English countryside. A plethora or women tend to crop up in stories such as The Knight of the Cart, The Poisoned Apple, and The Fair Maid of Astolat. Two in particular, Lady Guinevere and Elaine prove to be particularly intriguing. With their part in their respective stories comes a new view on the feminine role in Arthurian Society. Guinevere is a symbol of temptation and power. Elaine brings with her the stereotype of young, naive girl seeking love.

First, the character of Guinevere is as complex as they

come. She offers the unique personality of the strong woman while at the same time catering to Arthur as another one of his servants. Her strength comes to the reader in an unconventional way, and is becomes apparent through her affair with Lancelot. This point may be argued, but it is plausible to claim that Lady Guinevere was responsible for her relationship with Lancelot as she sought to be his lover. Granted, Lancelot was involved and thus responsibility lies within him as well, however, Guinevere saw what she wanted, obtained it, and had her way with her husband's most prized knight. Although we find that Guinevere regrets her torrid love affair with Lancelot, her intentions at the time of action were clear. She wanted Lancelot despite her marriage to the King of England, Arthur. By the same token, Guinevere may be described at the woman who brought Camelot to its knees. By triggering the series of events following the unfaithful relationship, turmoil swept through the kingdom and it was hardly long afterward that King Arthur met his death by Mordred. Therefore, the tempting power that only a woman could possess, illustrates both the strength and the malignity that would bring the fall of Camelot.

Next, in defense of the majority of women in Arthurian Legend, Elaine of Astolat may be presented. This "fair maid of Ast

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Approximate Word count = 905
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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The Woman in Arthurian Legend

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