Description
Book SynopsisWith its contextualizing introduction, notes, and gloss, this edition makes the
Prose Merlin available to any student of Arthurian legend, no matter their level of proficiency in Middle English. Written in the latter half of the fifteenth century, the
Prose Merlin is the first work of Arthurian literature written in English prose. The highly original poem, though based upon the French Vulgate cycle tradition of Arthurian legends, is full of episodes, motifs, and characters found nowhere else in the entire Arthurian corpus. Beginning with the story surrounding Merlin’s birth, and charting the course of his fantastical life until his ambiguous death,
Prose Merlin is an enchanting text for any class studying Arthuriana.
Table of ContentsPreface
Introduction
Select Bibliography
Prose Merlin The Birth of Merlin
Vortiger's Tower
Vortiger's Demise; The Battle of Salisbury; and The Death of Pendragon
Uther and Ygerne
Arthur and the Sword in the Stone
The Barons’ Revolt
The Grand Tournament at Logres
The Battle at Bredigan Forest
The Young Squires
The Deeds of the Young Squires
Arthur at Tamelide
Merlin and the Young Squires
Gawain's Rescue of his Mother
Merlin and Nimiane
Arthur and Gonnore; and The Battle against King Rion
Arthur and Gawain
The Begetting of Lancelot; and Merlin and Nimiane
Merlin and Grisandolus
The Marriage of Arthur and Gonnore
The Banishment of Bertelak; and King Arthur and King Lot
The Tournament at Logres; King Lot and his Sons; and Morgan and Gyomar
King Arthur vs. King Rion
Merlin and Nimiane; and Arthur and the Giant of St. Michael's Mount
The Defeat of Lucius; and Arthur and the Devil Cat
Merlin's Imprisonment; and Gawain and the Dwarf Knight
Commentary
Textual Notes
