Friday, May 31, 2019

The Use of Magic in Medieval Literature Essay -- Literature Essays Lit

The Use of Magic in Medieval LiteratureThe concept of magic and magical creatures has been around for a long time, however, in the time blockage ranging from Beowulf to Malorys Arthur, there has been an evolution in attitudes and the consequent treatment of magic in medieval literature. The discussion of magic conducts not unless the disparity between Christian and pagan tradition but also of gender roles, most notably in the Arthurian mythos. Beowulf, Marie De Frances Bisclavret and Lanval, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Sit Thomas Malorys Le Morte DArthur involve the concept of magic and magical creatures and consequently, illustrate the treatment of magic of their time. In Beowulf, the idea of magic is one that is feared and unworldly. It is definitely not an aspect of normal, courtly life. Grendel and his generate are both magical beings, and it is quite obvious that they are clearly not the protagonists of the story. Magic was a symbol of power, whether of class or of s trength, and Grendel and his mother find out into the latter category. Grendel also poses a challenge to the power of the ruling class. His only target is Hrothgars great hall - It was easy then to meet with a earth shifting himself to a safer distance to bed in the bothies, for who could be blind to the evidence of his eyes, the obviousness of the hall-watchers hate? - apparently, the rest of the land is quite safe from demons such(prenominal) as Grendel(Beowulf 35). Grendels immunity against weapons and armour emphasizes the challenge further. In pitting Beowulf against Grendel, the poem also suggests that the only way to destroy magic is with itself. It can be presume that Beowulf possesses some sort of supernatural strength, although he not blatantly... ...e of medieval society and its writings. In addition, an examination of magic in medieval times covers not only the treatment of religion, but also of gender issues and courtly ideals. Despite this, however, it cannot be de nied that magic in medieval literature contributes to its unique and distinctive nature. Works CitedBeowulf The Norton Anthology of side Literature. ed. M.H Abrams. New York W.W Norton, 2000.De France, Marie. Lanval The Norton Anthology of English Literature. ed. M.H Abrams. New York W.W Norton, 2000.De France, Marie. Bisclavret .Hwang, Renny. Merlin McNary, Sarah F. Beowulf and Arthur as English Ideals. Poet-Lore A Quarterly of World Literature 6.2 (1894), 528-36.Rise, Brian Edward. Morgan Le Fay Pantheon.org. . Sir Gawain and The Green Knight Trans. Marie Boroff. New York W.W. Norton, 2001.

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