How did 19th century versions og Kings Arthur's legend represent men and women ?

DNL 3/12

How did 19th century versions og Kings Arthur's legend represent men and women ?

Women :

• Obedience
• Discretion
• Purity : virginity before being wed, faithfullness to their husband after ( they must resists men advances )
• Women embody Christian values : charity, non-violence, acceptation of duties and sufferings

2 exeptions:

• The lady of the lake : she gives Excalibur to Arthur and takes it back when he dies . With him dies Camelot.
• She may represent Time, or the essence of life, or the Soul of Briatin, or its Pagan roots etc.
• Morgan : sister of Arhtur in many versions. A fairy or a witch. Often opposed to Merlin. She brings disorder : she is the opposition of what women where supposed to be.

Men :

• Fighters, but for a good cause
• To give good advice, help their king, their elders. Men have to be relaible
• Chivalrous : to protect their king, women, the weak etc. Can't make advances to married women or women beyond their position.
• Fight for Christian values : quest for the Holy Grail ( crusaders ).

Why was this legend so popular in Britain during the 19th century and early 20th ?

• The mystery surrounding this story is appealing.
• A story to feed national mythology: Britons were supposed to be the heir of King Arthur.
• Fulfilled a gap in British history ( the dark age )
• A representation of Western Civilization and its duty to enlighten humanity : this legend justifies the Imperialism of Britain.

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