1. Who was Merlin? Explain the importance of his character in the history of England?
2. In the beginning of your stories, why was the enthronement of young Arthur opposed by the nobility?
3. How did Arthur win the hand of Guenever?
4. What made Gawain remarkable?
5. Why did Arthur choose Caerleon to hold the feast of the Pentecost as well as his enthronement?
1. Who was Merlin? Explain the importance of his character in the history of England?
This is only a short answer space but I can comment on Merlin. Merlin is a master manipulator, who masters Arthur's conception and who, unseen, directs much of the action. As a great sorcerer, he is responsible for the creation of the Round Table. Merlin is both prophet and magician. Merlin arranges a truce between Kings Lot, Nantres, and Uriens, but then betrays the kings when he orders Arthur to attack. When Arthur loses his sword in battle, Merlin takes Arthur to the Lady of the Lake to retrieve it. Merlin provides Arthur with prophesies and he fixes the sword of Balyn so that only Launcelot or Galahad can use it, and when Arthur's life is threatened, Merlin steps in and saves the king. Merlin is opposed to Arthur's marriage to Guinevere, but is ignored. Merlin is able to assume disguises and appears before Arthur disguised as both a young boy and an old man. Merlin is directly responsible for everything that happens to Arthur. Although it initially appears that Merlin represents God, it soon becomes clear that he does not, and since he does not represent God, he must, according to the medieval world, represent the devil. Merlin meats his downfall when he falls in love with Nineve, who refuses to be bedded by Merlin but is willing to study his tricks. When she has learned his magic, Nineve has Merlin sealed alive in a cave where he must remain since only she can set him free.
You need to submit questions one at a time thanks!
:)
