Arthur in Medieval Welsh LiteratureAlthough the legends of Arthur have been popular throughout Europe from the middle ages onwards, the earliest references to Arthur are to be found in Welsh literature, starting with the Welsh-Latin Historia Brittonum which dates from the ninth century. By the twelfth century Arthur was a renowned figure wherever Welsh and its sister languages were spoken. O.J. Padel proves an overall survey of medieval Welsh literary references to Arthur and emphasizes the importance of understanding the character and purpose of the texts in which allusions to Arthur occur. Texts from different genres are considered together and shed new light on the use which different authors make of the multifaceted figure of Arthur, from the folk legend associated with magic and animals to the literary hero, soldier and defender of country and faith. Other figures associated with Arthur, such as Cai, Bedwyr and Gwenhwyfar, are also discussed. Arthur in Medieval Welsh Literature is an important and revealing contribution to Arthurian studies and will appeal to anyone interested in understanding more about the legends of Arthur and their sources in medieval Welsh tradition. |
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abduction adventures allusions Annwn Arthur's court Arthur's role Arthurian legend battle of Camlan Bedwyr Benlli Cadog Cai and Bedwyr Cai's Carannog character Chrétien's context Cornish Cornwall court poetry CULHWCH Cynddelw dialogue Dillus eagle earlier earliest early Welsh englyn episode Esyllt figure of Arthur Fionn folklore Geoffrey of Monmouth Geoffrey's HISTORY GERAINT giant Glastonbury GODODDIN grave Gruffudd Gwalchmai Gwalchmai ap Meilyr Gwenhwyfar heroes HISTORIA BRITTONUM hunting Hywel Island of Britain Kelli wic killed King Arthur knights known later romance leader legendary literary Llachau Llywelyn Mabinogion Matter of Britain medieval Welsh medieval Welsh literature Medrawd Melwas mentioned ninth-century notably Ogrfan Olwen Owain PEREDUR perhaps poem poets portrayal of Arthur portrayed Preiddiau Annwn prose Prydein references to Arthur RHONABWY saints SEINT GREAL similar St Cadog St Gildas tale theme thirteenth century Triads Trystan twelfth century Twrch Trwyth Wales Welsh literature Welsh tradition ŵr yw'r porthor Ysbaddaden