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. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
abduction adventures allusions already appears Arthur Arthur's court Arthurian legend battle Bedwyr Britain Camlan character close compared comparison concerning context Cornwall CULHWCH Cynddelw developed dialogue eagle earlier earliest early elsewhere English englyn episode evidently existed figure French further Geoffrey Geoffrey's HISTORY GERAINT giant Gildas given Glastonbury Abbey grave Gwalchmai Gwenhwyfar heroes HISTORIA BRITTONUM hunting important interest Island killed king knights known late later leader legendary literary Lives Llachau March material Matter medieval Medrawd Melwas mentioned military nature notably occurs once Owain particular perhaps played poem poetry poets portrayal presumably probably prose question reason receives reference RHONABWY role romances saints seems seen similar sources story suggested tale texts theme tradition translated Triads twelfth century Twrch Version Wales warriors Welsh Welsh literature wonder ŵr yw'r porthor written