I'm attempting to read popular Arthurian retellings in an ascending order of difficulty (by my perception). I've read Geoffrey, I read bits of Malory in college, I read The Green Knight once or twice a year, and I'm completely in love. Any recommendations would be appreciated. I'll let you know when I get to Tennyson.
Incredibly heartbreaking, on the whole. But I do have to say that Tennyson gives Arthur a comeback arc that Malory does not. Makes the heartbreak worth it.
I can't help but wonder if the complete destruction of Camelot isn't just intentional but kinda the whole point. I think Anglo-Saxon literature can be best summed up as an extended meditation on mortality, and the only kingdom that lasts forever is the Kingdom of God. Camelot for all of its excellence is not perfect and is subject to corruption (even if it is the best we have this side of heaven).
Amazing, I love it. I haven't read Tennyson, but I love this little bit of the story.
Consider yourself warned: it is the most high-spirited episode of an otherwise heartbreaking narrative. But it's still good and beautifully told.
I'm attempting to read popular Arthurian retellings in an ascending order of difficulty (by my perception). I've read Geoffrey, I read bits of Malory in college, I read The Green Knight once or twice a year, and I'm completely in love. Any recommendations would be appreciated. I'll let you know when I get to Tennyson.
Have you read Howard Pyle?
No, I've read his Robin Hood though. I am reading Lancelyn Green right now.
It’s good. The first 3 stories after the intro poem are really fun but after that it’s all tragedies.
Incredibly heartbreaking, on the whole. But I do have to say that Tennyson gives Arthur a comeback arc that Malory does not. Makes the heartbreak worth it.
I can't help but wonder if the complete destruction of Camelot isn't just intentional but kinda the whole point. I think Anglo-Saxon literature can be best summed up as an extended meditation on mortality, and the only kingdom that lasts forever is the Kingdom of God. Camelot for all of its excellence is not perfect and is subject to corruption (even if it is the best we have this side of heaven).
Thanks for the info! I'll be prepared when I read it.