Ethics in the Arthurian Legend

The representation of ethics in Arthurian literature is explored across interdisciplinary and trans-historical lines, drawing on English, Welsh, German, Dutch, French, and Norse iterations. Chapters engage a variety of methodologies to investigate how the texts operate as didactic and critical tools of power and identity. The findings attest to the continued value and importance of the Arthurian legend and its scholarship as a vibrant field for understanding modern sensibilities and institutions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 420 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2023
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The Arthurian legend, with its rich tapestry of stories and characters, has long been a subject of fascination for scholars across various disciplines. From its earliest days, the legend has delved into profound questions about good kingship, the behaviors of ruling classes, and their impact on communities, societies, and nations, both locally and in imperial and colonizing contexts. Ethical considerations have played a central role in shaping the narrative and its characters, providing a framework for understanding how these texts operate as didactic and critical tools in addressing these subjects.

In this comprehensive book, a team of esteemed scholars comes together to explore the representation of ethics in Arthurian literature across interdisciplinary and transhistorical lines. Drawing on a diverse range of methodologies, including gender, critical race theory, philology, literature and the law, translation theory, game studies, comparative analysis, critical reading, and modern editorial and authorial practices, the chapters present a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives.

The texts interrogated in this volume span a wide range of iterations of the Arthurian legend, including English, Welsh, German, Dutch, French, and Norse versions. The scholars engage with a diverse array of characters, from the legendary Culhwch and Olwen to the iconic Parzival, the enigmatic Roman van Walewein, the epic Tristrams Saga, the noble Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and the renowned Malory's Morte Darthur. Through their meticulous analysis, the authors shed light on the complex web of ethical dilemmas and moral quandaries that permeate these narratives.

One of the key themes that emerge from the chapters is the intersection of power, identity, and ethics. The ruling classes, particularly kings and queens, are often portrayed as grappling with the responsibilities and consequences of their power. They are faced with choices that weigh the interests of their subjects, their own desires, and the broader moral order of the kingdom. The scholars explore how these characters navigate the treacherous waters of power, seeking to balance the demands of justice, compassion, and loyalty, often facing ethical dilemmas that challenge their moral compass.

Another important aspect of the representation of ethics in Arthurian literature is the role of women and gender roles. The legend has traditionally been dominated by male characters, with women often relegated to supporting roles or portrayed as inferior to their male counterparts. However, the chapters in this book challenge these stereotypes and explore the complex and multifaceted roles of women in the Arthurian world. They examine how women exercise power, influence decision-making, and negotiate their identities within a patriarchal society. The scholars also highlight the ways in which gender norms and stereotypes are perpetuated and challenged throughout the legend, and how these narratives contribute to the broader discourse on gender equality and social justice.

Critical race theory is another lens through which the authors examine the representation of ethics in Arthurian literature. They explore how race, ethnicity, and colonialism shape the narratives and the characters, and how these factors contribute to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and biases. The scholars analyze how the legend portrays different cultures, societies, and nations, and how these representations reflect and reinforce power dynamics and hierarchies. They also examine how the legend challenges these biases and promotes inclusivity and diversity, highlighting the ways in which the characters break down racial and cultural barriers and work towards a more just and equitable society.

Philology, literature and the law, translation theory, game studies, comparative analysis, critical reading, and modern editorial and authorial practices are just a few of the methodologies employed in this book. The authors draw on a wealth of scholarship and research to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the representation of ethics in Arthurian literature. They engage with a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including medieval manuscripts, literary criticism, legal texts, and contemporary scholarship. Through their meticulous analysis, the authors shed light on the historical, cultural, and social contexts in which the legend was produced and consumed, and how these contexts shaped the ethical frameworks and values that are embedded within the narratives.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of Arthurian literature and scholarship. It brings together chapters from a diverse range of disciplines and temporalities, engaging with a wide range of methodologies and perspectives. Through their meticulous analysis, the authors demonstrate the continued value and importance of the Arthurian legend and its scholarship as a vibrant field through which to locate and understand the many ways in which medieval literature continues to inform modern sensibilities and institutions, particularly where the matter of ethics is concerned. The approaches and findings in this volume attest to the rich and complex nature of the legend, and its ability to inspire and challenge us as we navigate the ethical dilemmas and moral quandaries of our own time.

Weight: 760g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843846871