The Mabinogion

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The Mabinogion

A comparison of the different forms of presentation of the Arthurian Legend, such as "L'Morte d'Arthur" in Mabinogion and "How Cullhwch won Olwen" by Chretien de Troyes and Thomas Mallory.

1,756 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2006 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper compares and contrasts the changing character of King Arthur and the ideals of the society in "How Cullhwch won Olwen" in Mabinogion, with those displayed in later forms of the Arthurian legend, such as "L'Morte d'Arthur" by Chretien de Troyes and Sir Thomas Mallory. This paper argues that King Arthur in "Cullwhch and Olwen" is a paragon of ancient Welsh ideals, which were heroic, but different and less refined than the ideals of the later medieval European society.

From the Paper:

"From the early days of Welsh folklore up to the present time, King Arthur has been a symbol of the ideal king, and his kingdom has been seen as an ideal society. Arthur, his knights, and his kingdom have gone through many changes throughout history as new versions of the legend were written. Each time the tale of King Arthur was rewritten, it was different, as it was reconfigured to conform to the morals and ideals of the culture it was written in. In the story of How Cullwhch won Olwen in the Mabinogion, Arthur and his knights are legendary Welsh heroes."

Sample of Sources Used:

Schofield, William Henry. "Mallory." pp.75-123 Chivalry in English Literature. Port Washington NY: Kennikat Press,1964.
Diverres,Armel. "Arthur in Cullhwch and Olwe nand in the Romances of Chretien de Troyes." pp. 54-69. Culture and King: The Social Implications of the Arthurian Legend: Essays In Honor of Valerie M. Lagorio. Albany NY: State University of New York Press, 1994.
Baker, Ernest Albert. "From Legend to Romance". The History of the English Novel. New York, NY: Barnes and NobleInc., 1950.