Merlin and Legendary Romance

An indepth work on the origins of the Merlin of Arthurian legend, this book examines early texts, thirteenth century romances focusing particularly on Merlin as a character, rather than those where Merlin is a background cast member. The outline here starts with looking at the genre and the place of fantasy, moving on to consider the attitudes towards magic and magic-users in medieval times. Main works considered are Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae and Vita Merlini; the Vulgate cycle, Suite du Merlin; and finally Malory's work. The author asserts that each portrays a different approach to Merlin but all are tied to history and to the Christian religion.

List of contents

Introduction 1. The Good Magician Before Merlin: Secular Tales and Saints’ Lives 2. Merlin the Prophet: Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia 3. Merlin Beatified: The Vita Merlini 4. The King’s Right Hand: The Vulgate Merlin 5. Magician Beware: The Suite du Merlin 6. Conclusion: Malory’s Le Morte Darthur. Appendix 1: Summary, Robert de Boron’s Merlin. Appendix 2: Summary, Vulgate Merlin. Appendix 3: Summary, Suite du Merlin

About the author

Carol E. Harding

Summary

An indepth work on the origins of the Merlin of Arthurian legend, this book examines early texts - Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia Regum Britanniae and Vita Merlini; the Vulgate cycle, Suite du Merlin; and finally Malory’s work.

Product details

• Authors: Carol Harding, Harding Carol
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 21.12.2015
• EAN: 9781138995796
• ISBN: 978-1-138-99579-6
• No. of pages: 186
• Series: Routledge Library Editions: Arthurian Literature
• Subjects: Fiction > Poetry, drama; Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative literary studies; European History, FICTION / Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology, LITERARY CRITICISM / General, LITERARY CRITICISM / Medieval, LITERARY CRITICISM / Reference, Medieval History, British & Irish history, Literary studies: classical, early & medieval, Literary theory, History and Archaeology, Literary studies: ancient, classical and medieval