Question
Here is the question : WHAT PIECE OF LITERATURE CANONIZED ARTHURIAN LEGEND?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Merlin
- The Once and Future Queen
- History of the Kings of Britain
- The Lord of the Rings
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
The first ever written account of King Arthur’s life may be found in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s “History of the Kings of Britain,” which was published in the 12th century. Geoffrey claimed to base his work on a now-lost Celtic manuscript that only he was allowed to see. This enabled him to add possibly the first descriptions of Excalibur, Sir Lancelot, and Guinevere to the tale. Prior to this point, the legends of King Arthur were pieced together from poetry and the writings of previous scholars and historians. Geoffrey claimed to base his work on a now-lost Celtic manuscript that only he was allowed to see.
The Arthurian legend, with its tales of chivalry, knights, and the fabled court of Camelot, has captivated readers and inspired countless works of literature throughout history. Yet, when it comes to the canonization of the Arthurian legend itself, one particular piece of literature stands out—the “History of the Kings of Britain.” Penned by the Welsh cleric and chronicler Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century, this influential work played a pivotal role in shaping and solidifying the Arthurian mythos, establishing it as a foundational piece of literary canon.
Geoffrey of Monmouth’s “History of the Kings of Britain” is a historical chronicle that traces the lineage of British monarchs, from the mythical Brutus of Troy to the historical figures of the time. Within this sweeping account, Geoffrey introduced the character of King Arthur and wove intricate tales of his birth, rise to power, and the adventures of the Knights of the Round Table. It is within the pages of this work that many of the iconic elements of Arthurian legend, such as Excalibur, Merlin the wizard, and the love affair between Arthur and Guinevere, were first introduced to the world.
Though it is important to note that Geoffrey’s “History of the Kings of Britain” is not a purely historical account, as it blends elements of mythology, folklore, and Geoffrey’s own creative imagination, its impact on the Arthurian legend cannot be overstated. The work quickly gained popularity and was widely translated and adapted into various languages, spreading the tales of King Arthur and his knights across Europe.
One of the significant contributions of the “History of the Kings of Britain” was its establishment of Arthur as a national hero. Geoffrey portrayed Arthur as a noble and virtuous leader who defended Britain against invading forces, embodying the ideals of chivalry and kingship. This portrayal resonated with readers and solidified Arthur’s place within the collective imagination as a legendary figure, inspiring countless subsequent adaptations and retellings.
Moreover, Geoffrey’s work provided a cohesive narrative structure to the Arthurian legend. Prior to the “History of the Kings of Britain,” Arthurian tales were primarily transmitted through oral tradition and scattered fragments of literature. Geoffrey’s chronicle, with its comprehensive account and interconnected stories, unified these disparate narratives into a coherent whole. It laid the groundwork for future writers and poets to build upon, ensuring the endurance and continuity of the Arthurian legend.
The influence of the “History of the Kings of Britain” extended beyond literature, shaping the perception of British history and identity. Geoffrey’s account presented Arthur as a British hero, linking him to a sense of national heritage and invoking a sense of pride and patriotism. This connection between Arthur and the British identity would continue to resonate throughout the centuries, leaving an indelible