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

The Use of Magic in knightly LiteratureThe concept of whoremaster and witching(prenominal)al creatures has been around for a ample time, however, in the time period ranging from Beowulf to Malorys Arthur, there has been an evolution in attitudes and the incident treatment of magic in chivalric literature. The discussion of magic involves non except the disparity between Christian and pagan tradition save as well of gender roles, most nonably in the Arthurian mythos. Beowulf, Marie De Frances Bisclavret and Lanval, Sir Gawain and the cat valium 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 feargond and unworldly. It is definitely not an aspect of normal, courtly life. Grendel and his mother are both magical beings, and it is preferably obvious that they are clearly not the protagonists of the story. Magic was a symbol of power, whether of class or of strength, and Grendel and his mother befit 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 man 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 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 assumed 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 denied that magic in medieval literature contributes to its unique and distinctive nature. Works CitedBeowulf The Norton Anthology of face 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 valet 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.