Subject
Knights and knighthood in literature Books
Best books
Alfred Trübner Nutt
Studies on the Legend of the Holy Grail With Especial Reference to the Hypothesis of Its Celtic Origin
"Studies on the Legend of the Holy Grail" by Alfred Trübner Nutt is a scholarly publication written in the late 19th century. This work examines the various forms and origins of the Holy Grail legend, with a strong emphasis on its connections to Celtic traditions and influences. The book serves as both a study of the Grail Romance cycle and an investigation into the historical, literary, and mythical aspects of the legend. The opening of the scholarly work introduces the author’s intent to explore the different iterations of the Grail legend and their relationships to one another. It begins with a dedication to J. F. Campbell, highlighting the significance of Celtic tradition in Nutt's interpretation. The introduction outlines the structure of the studies, noting that the work does not aim for exhaustiveness but rather focuses on specific aspects of the Grail narrative. Nutt emphasizes the challenges historians face in tracing the origins of the Grail stories, navigating through various manuscripts and forms of the legend, while preparing to delve into the particulars of significant texts that have shaped the legend's evolution.
Jessie L. (Jessie Laidlay) Weston
The Legend of Sir Lancelot du Lac Studies upon its Origin, Development, and Position in the Arthurian Romantic Cycle
"The Legend of Sir Lancelot du Lac" by Jessie L. Weston is an academic study exploring the origins and development of the popular Arthurian character Lancelot, written in the early 20th century. The book delves into how the character of Lancelot evolved within the broader context of the Arthurian romantic cycle, while also examining early literary references to him. Weston addresses significant questions regarding Lancelot's origins, character, and relationship with other key figures in the Arthurian mythos, particularly Guinevere. The opening of the text introduces the scope of Weston's investigation into Lancelot's legend, emphasizing its later addition to the Arthurian tradition, where he is most well-known as King Arthur’s valiant knight and lover of Guinevere. Weston begins by challenging the perception of Lancelot as an integral hero of the original legends, citing the absence of his character in earlier Arthurian tales and highlighting the nuances of his relationship with Guinevere, which she argues is a later literary invention. As she prepares to uncover the complexities of Lancelot's narrative and its earlier forms, she also sets the stage for her critical examination of the sources that shaped this iconic figure.
Jessie L. (Jessie Laidlay) Weston
The Three Days' Tournament: A Study in Romance and Folk-Lore Being an Appendix to the Author's 'Legend of Sir Lancelot'
"The Three Days' Tournament: A Study in Romance and Folk-Lore" by Jessie L. Weston is an analytical study focused on the Arthurian legend, written in the early 20th century. This work serves as an appendix to Weston's previous studies on Sir Lancelot and examines a specific romantic episode—the Three Days' Tournament—within the context of folk tales and other romances. The study discusses various versions of the tournament narrative, exploring their connections and influences while clarifying how they fit into the broader tradition of Arthurian literature. The opening of the text delves into Weston's viewpoint on the state of Arthurian criticism and the complexity of the sources surrounding the hero Lancelot. Weston provides an introduction where she outlines her methodical approach toward studying the adventures attributed to this character, particularly highlighting instances where he participates in tournaments disguised in different armors. She emphasizes the necessity of understanding the evolving nature of these tales, suggesting that they draw upon a rich tapestry of folklore and earlier narratives. This sets the stage for a detailed examination of the interplay between different Arthurian stories and historical influences, positioning the reader to engage with the intricate layers of romance and folk tradition that shape the Legend of Lancelot and the Arthurian cycle.
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