The Green Knight is the Grynch in Disguise...

                Ugh, why do people have to ruin my feast time? I look forward to feast time, partying, gifts, not seeing some dude get his head cut-off. I was slightly impressed when that dude rode off without his head on his shoulders.

                Why is this dude and his horse green? I could overlook his cockiness and rude behavior but the line has to be drawn somewhere. I bet this guy does not wear camouflage when hunting. I do not mean to be crass, but he looks like gorgeous grass. Okay, now I am done making fun of the color of this dude. I am just not going to even get started on his green horse.

                We either need to send the green knight to rehab, the hospital, or a therapist. Nobody in their right mind would beg someone to cut off their head and then ask them to come find them in one year. I could understand this request if he was an addict, but none of his other behaviors point into that direction. I think the hospital is the best bet. They will perform a psychological evaluation there. I am not judging (too harshly), just trying to help the green dude out. Health and sanity are very important to live a happy life.

                I am so proud of Gawain for accepting this quest, but it is not the first time you have done something brave. I know this is out of my character, but you did go after Queen Guinevere and me in the tale of "The Knight in the Cart." I am sure you will be fine along your journey, just keep your confidence up. This journey will be cold, long, and difficult. There is no simple path for you to follow as you have found thus far into your quest. My main concern is that you may be too kind to be able to complete this quest on your own. Remember what we learned in "The Knight in the Cart," sometimes nice people can actually be taking advantage of your naivety. This lord's behavior seems legit but he also seems a little too friendly. You should not wait until the last day to go to the place he says the green knight is. I know that in this day and age we trust just about everyone we meet and that has been the downfall in multiple stories we have read. Wow, being nice is exhausting. I do not know how you do it all the time, Gawain the good. I hope you don't die! I am sure you will figure something out...

The bestest knight ever,

Sir Kay 

 Sir Kay breaketh his sword at ye Tournament, by Howard Pyle from The Story of King Arthur and His Knights. (1903)

Resources 

Lacy, Norris J., and James J. Wilhelm. The Romance of Arthur: An Anthology of Medieval Texts in Translation. London: Routledge, 2013. Print. 

               

Sir Gawain reflects on his contract with the Greene Knight

I'm going to die tomorrow.

The execution block at Tower Green in London

That gnarling, twisting, contorting feeling of sheer anxiety and terror for what lays beyond. A feeling that starts as a mere pit in the center of your stomach, then grows with devouring tentacles up around your digestive track until every nerve and orifice with alarms of unrelenting pain. Not a fear of disgrace or embarrassment, or any possibility of blood being shed. Rather a certain, undeniable fact that your life will end before lunch. Enter the Green Chapel, lay your head on the block as a scapegoat, and finally, at the moment every fiber of your being desires most to be anywhere else in the universe: one, two, one, two, through and through, until snicker-snack!

This feeling does not bother me. Why, you ask? I say, why should it? If death was ever a discouragement from a knight performing his duty, Arthur would be alone at this court. My knightly oath of honor, which I have held for longer than I can remember, is infinitely more valuable than my own, feeble life. It was for the honor of his Holiness Sulpicious that I gave my life to defend Jerusalem, and it was for the honor of Arthur that I gave my life for Britain against the Saxons and the Romans. The honor of these two cities, Jerusalem and Camelot, no price could ever come close to appraising, not even for all the treasures of the world. Whereas my weak and helpless body, with an even more simple mind, is nothing to be missed. As the morning sun rains down its life-giving beams on the livestock for tomorrow's supper, my soul will be penetrating the clouds towards the gates of Heaven. What wonderful delight, and what an amazing joy it is to lay down my life once more for the honor of Arthur.

And yet in spite of all that, something still continues to bother me. Is there some vestige of deep-stetted fear or anxiety yet unconquered? No, of course not. Then what? What pieces don't completely fit together? There we were on Christmas Day, when in the middle of our festivities arrives this strange, strange knight. Is it his unnatural complexion that bothers me? No, for surely I've encounter stranger things before. So what is it? When I foolishly accepted his challenge (curse my impulsiveness), I took up my end of the bargain, and smote off his head with that green axe. I assumed that, without a head, he cannot possibly wield the axe against me. Yet here I am.

So wait. Why didn't it work?

Somehow, the knight simply took up his head and road off, presumably reattached by now. What demonic sorcery could possibly have saved him?

And then there is the lady's sash. A sash that is.... green. What did she say about it? "Whatever knight is girded with this green lace, no man under heaven can overcome him". Could this be a mere token of her esteem, trying to woo me with her malevolent charms, or could this possibly be an attempt by her to save my worthless life? Was not the Green Knight also girded by a sash of green? Surely, if the enchantment of this girdle had prevented the Knight's life from leaving this plane, then it could also protect mine.

And yet, if this is the secret of the knight's power, should I take it? Indeed, my life would be spared, but far more important is whether it would damage my honor. No, surely if the knight used this magic to withstand my blow, then, by the equality he imposed, I can withstand his.

But to accept this gift from the lady of the castle is a far more devastating affront. This sash, if indeed a sign of her infatuation, should not be seen on my personage. But there the dilemma arises, for without the sash my life is done for. I will sleep on this question, and pray that The Lord's wisdom will guide me on the morrow.

The Baffling Green Knight

Meleagant

I admire the proud and courageous entrance the Green Knight made into Camelot. However, the Green Knight’s odd request for an unprovoked duel strikes me as puzzling. Even the language used by the Green Knight is not straight-forward, but instead reeks of trickery. He demands to speak to the commander of the crowd, King Arthur, but claims to wish to speak words that are rational and sound. He claims to be passing in peace and not searching for confrontation, and bears a branch to signify his good intentions. However, the Green Knight then proceeds to boast of this strength and discredit Arthur’s court, in clear violation of his previous claim of not wishing to exchange prickly words. For no clear reason, the Green Knight challenges any man present to strike him with his own axe so that he might return the blow in a year’s time. 

Was the Green Knight only intending to deceive the court with his initial declaration of peace, or did he truly change his mind so quickly? If his original intention was to issue this challenge, why would such a man bother with initial declarations of peace? He had already charged into the gathering, so there was no need to lie to gain admittance. My entrance to King Arthur’s court was much more straightforward and less baffling. If only I had the power of the Green Knight to withstand beheading, I would have surely defeated Lancelot.

I generally prefer my armor to be the darkest black, but the Green Knight was clad entirely in green. Although he did not actually wear armor to the confrontation in part one, we know his armor is also green. The significance of this color is unclear. Surely it means something, but we do not know exactly what as of yet.

                Part one and part two of Sir Gawain’s escapades seem to focus extensively on frivolity and party. Despite the writer’s claims that there is too much going on to be explained in detail, the majority of these first two parts focus festivities. As I am a great warrior with serious matters that require my attention, these needless exchanges of pleasantries seem pointless. I can only assume that the excessive hospitality of Sir Gwain’s hosts will soon end some spectacular manner. Based on the lengthy description of the attractive woman on page 435, I predict the honorable Sir Gawain is likely to disgrace himself and soon get himself removed from his host’s lodging. 

Merlin, you old dog, you!

     I feel it is completely unnecessary to address Merlin's "origin story". It is irrelevant. He has shown how gallant and useful he can be in the worst of times and I, for one, think that is worth more than whatever poisonous beginnings he had. 

      All that really matters is that Merlin has chosen the path of Our Lord and has renounced his original purpose as malevolent as it were. His baptism proves that. He can't be all that bad anyway. He helped raise my cousin, Arthur, and he didn't turn out too bad. He's knightly, certainly Kingly, and although not quite as brave as I nor as beautiful as my beloved Olwen, he is the bravest knight I know. If Merlin can help turn out a man like that, he can't possibly be evil. 

      He also helped Uther form the Round table, and how I am still excluded from that, I do not know, but I'll get over it as a very great man, one of Arthur's best Knights, was able to get into that very...selective group. I'm not bitter *scoffs*. 

      As for the poor saps downfall, a prophet to fall in love? What is so wrong with that? Everyone deserves love. I long for my beloved whenever she is not with me, and if that is a sin, then I will suffer the consequences if only to wake up to her beautiful face every morning I am alive. Unfortunately, he couldn't manage to earn her affections in any honest way, and for that, he shan't be forgiven. 

I sought after my beloved, loving her and knowing I would continue to love her forevermore, earning her affections through my bravery and honor. It was simple really. If the prophet can't earn the love of a women he so craves, then how powerful could he possibly be? Sure, we've seen him in action, but to earn the affections of a woman is the greatest quest yet. He was unsuccessful in his quest and I fear, that is how it will always be. If this is any contest of his character, then how seriously can we take him? 

Forever in Doubt,

                                                                                       Culhwch

What a peculiar man..

First off, I just want to say that Merlin is an incredible man, with extraordinary powers. The circumstances of his conception, however, are out of the ordinary. Conceived by an inexcusable act performed by the one Enemy we all fear. His poor virgin mother had no idea who was responsible for getting her pregnant, yet was still locked away in a tower to await her fate for committing what the judges believed was impossible. Merlin, however, saves his mother at the very young age of eighteen months. An eighteen month old child speaking complete sentences seemed quite bizarre to me at first, but this was no ordinary child. This child, being a child of a demon, was given the power of seeing the past and all that was said and done by others. Luckily, this child's mother was a virgin and God was not going to let the Enemy be the only influence on the child's character so he bestowed the gift of seeing the future upon the child.

Not only did Merlin save his mother, but he was a favorite of Uther, Arthur's father. Although some people felt the relationship Merlin and Uther had was unfair, most people saw Merlin as a prophecy, one who could tell of the future. Throughout the story, however, his abilities are tested by many. Everywhere he went, it seemed someone wanted to know their fate, and Merlin was always willing to share what he saw.

One relationship that did not work out so well for Merlin was the one he shared with Lady Viviane, a huntress whom he falls in love with. How foolish of him to fall for a woman whom he knew nothing of, and to be so naive to think she was a kind hearted person. This woman was planning his death, and he was still intent on loving her. Crazy how his first experience with love saved his mother's life, yet the second experience with love ended his own life. 

Merlin was a prophecy no doubt, for without him, the stonehenge of Salisbury, and the Round Table would have never been. He will always be missed amongst the people of this land; may his legacy live on.

Until next time,
Guinevere

Merlin: The Magician

Greetings my fellow Nights, Lords and Ladies of the Round Table.  What an incredible tale of magic, mystery and the unnatural.  Reading tales of the great and powerful Merlin was an incredible experience, and one that I shall always remember. 

    
     Merlin's conception was one of the unnatural sort and was performed with very much profanity.  One thing that remains unclear is that when Merlin was a mere infant, he defended and protected mother whom blamed him for the position she was in, when it had absolutely nothing to do with him.  However, what is incredible is that despite this, he possessed infernal and heavenly powers and had to choose between them and grew up and became a man of much wisdom and knowledge; the man we all know today. 

     
     He was greatly loved by King Uther and the people of the kingdom.  However, one such man did not believe Merlin had prophetic abilities, and was proven to be correct when Merlin was deceased. Although most loved and admired Merlin, a few did not believe he was fair because they thought Uther favored Merlin over everyone else in the kingdom.  From his time alongside Arthur, I became acquainted with Merlin.   Now, shall we speak of some aspects of Merlin's life, and see what experiences helped shape who he would become?

   
     One of merlin's first acts as an infant was to save the life of his mother.  One of his final acts was failing love, or lust, with Viviane the Huntress and follow her every command.  Unlike with his mother, this time Merlin's feelings for a woman end up coming back to haunt him.  However, we can never be certain of who is in the wrong in this relationship.  Perhaps Merlin is in the wrong, intent on dishonoring this woman, or perhaps Lady Viviane is a horrible, cold-hearted individual who took advantage of the man's love and magic abilities and knowledge.  This, however, is not important.  Overall, Merlin is destroyed by a woman whom he never suspected was dangerous.  In fact, he still hopes to have a tangible relationship with her, when she is planning his death. 

      And so, in a way, Merlin's life comes full circle.  The first moment in which he acts on love, it saves him; but his final act motivated by love, ends him.  However, Merlin shall always be remembered because he was like every man or lady who has ever walked this earth; he had great power and great flaws.  As a child, Merlin received great powers , but was meant to choose between great and dangerous and evil ones.  In the end, he chose both, and thus was no better than anyone else.  And if I shall leave one message, it should be this:  even though Merlin's death was a great tragedy, he will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of all those who follow his exploits and the tales of Arthur. I shall remember him always.

Farewell,






Lancelot    








     

Merlin: A man from Birth

Reading the Prose of Merlin was a certain challenge and one that I found most interesting. Merlin's conception was one of unnatural and done with the most unholy of circumstances. One thing that is not understood is that the child, that was Merlin, is defending and protecting a mother who blames him for the position she is in. Despite the heritage of Merlin he is able to grow up wise and knowledgeable and loved by the King and the people of the kingdom. One man did not believe Merlin had prophetic abilities and is proven correct by the man's on death. The people of the kingdom  do not believe Merlin is faire becuase the king still shows Merlin great It is intersting that even tough the King shows Merlin respect the Pope and monks still agree to go through the test and seeing if the man is going to die.

The Prose of Merlin was written for both men and women. The one sided love story between Merlin and Viviane is written for the women while tales like "The Battle of Salisbury and the erection of Stonehedge" was written for the men of the society having battle strataggies in them.
Someone as wise as Merlin would claim to be is would know how to gain a woman's affections without the use of his drugs in an honest way. I was unaware wisdom was born through decietfulness.  This was most insulting and shameful. However the huntress that visited the castle and caught Merlin's eye had no affection for him and seemed to play him like a fiddle. She took advantage of Merlin's affections and allowed herself a house built for her on her favorite isaland; she allowed herself majic spells taught to her by Merlin. Though Merlin simply wanted to deflower she harboroed much hatraid for him. Even though he kept his promise and never tried to vex him or force himself upon her, Viviane still hated poor Merlin.

  

The Fallibility of Merlin

The Fallibility of Merlin

Are any of you lords, ladies, and knights disturbed to learn the origin of our prophet and sorcerer Merlin? Did you all not wonder where his powers came from? It should come as no surprise to anyone that the Enemy wanted to create a being to rival that of Jesus Christ. Why not? His jealousy and hatred of God and his creation is still and always will be his downfall.

Our Lord Merlin is indeed unique in God’s creation. I am not surprised that he learned to speak intelligently while still a babe. Why are you? A great prophet is not like ordinary people. He has the foresight of our creator, he has the wisdom to know good from evil, and he has the power to act righteously. We must not judge Merlin because of his origin. His mother’s seduction by the Devil was not his fault. Instead, we should remember that Merlin’s mother conceived him as did our Holy Mother Mary. She was a virgin. And when her son was born, what was her primary goal? It was to have Merlin baptized. He was not only born free of Original Sin, but he was also further cleansed by his Holy Baptism.

Let us instead turn our attention to Merlin’s downfall. It was because of a woman. Merlin had the audacity to fall in love. We forget that our great prophet and sorcerer was human. He was conceived of the Devil, born of a virgin, and gifted by God. However, his flesh was weak. He lusted after a woman and wanted her love. I do not condemn him for being human. His prophesy of the red dragon was invaluable to the brothers Pendragon and Uther. Why should he not enjoy the comforts of a woman like anyone else?

Because of the generosity of this flawed man, Britons have been gifted with one of the world’s greatest mysteries—Stonehenge. Can you imagine what the Salisbury Plain would look like without this holy monument? Would anyone care what went on in Wiltshire fifteen hundred years ago? And let us not forget the Round Table of our good King Arthur and his knights. I myself have tested Sir Gawain, and determined that he is virtuous, courageous, chaste, and honest. We should not focus on how Merlin came to be but on whether or not we can live up to the ideals to which he was dedicated. If only we could find the Holy Grail that used to reside in the center of the table among the good knights. That must be our quest. 

He was a man after all

Greetings Lord and Ladies of the Round Table! What a fantastic tale of honor and magic we have been graced with! It reminds me of the magic that inundates my own home in the Wilderness of Wirral. However, the most amazing things about Merlin’s story were the parts that were not purely feats of magical prowess.

When we think of the amazing wizard of King Arthur’s court we think of the man that knew all that was and will be, and used his power to expose a dishonorable knight in Arthur’s court. Or, we think of the sorcerer who changed the face of King Uther and allowed for Arthur to be conceived. But the most important part of his story is its revelation of the man behind the mask by illuminating his thoughts and feelings through his backstory. One of his first acts as a child is to save the life of his beloved mother, who surely would have died without him. One of his last acts is to fall in love, or perhaps lust, with Viviane the Huntress and serve her every whim. Unlike the episode with his mother, however, Merlin’s emotion for a woman does not end well. We are never sure who is in the wrong in this scenario. Perhaps Merlin in is a lecherous old man intent on dishonoring a virtuous young lady, or perhaps Lady Viviane is a cold-hearted creature who take advantage of Merlin’s love and magical expertise. That question, however, is of little importance. In the end, the fact remains that the great Merlin is destroyed by a woman he never suspected was a danger. In fact he is  still “waiting and hoping to have his way with her” according to the The Prose Merlin, when she is planning his death.

In this way Merlin’s life comes full circle. His first act is motivated by love and saves him; his last act is motivated by love and ends him. While the tales of powerful knights and beautiful ladies may be lost to time because the heroes of these tales were one dimensional, Merlin shall always be remembered. Merlin shall be remembered because he had both strengths and weaknesses. As an infant Merlin was given both infernal and heavenly powers for he was meant to choose between them. In the end, he did as most of us do, and fell somewhere in between.
The blow dealt to the realm  by the loss of such a powerful magician is great indeed, but Camelot was alright in the end. Viviane returns to Camelot and uses her magic to protect KIng Arthur from the sword-thief Morgana and Arthur's challenger.

Until Next Time,

Lady Bertilak

Merlin is so weird..

Hello again everyone,

This post will definitely not be anywhere near just bashing on the guy, but am I the only one that finds Merlin very peculiar? I mean when the guy was nine months old he looked as if he were a year old! I guess some people are just fast growers. Which would make sense as to why when he was eighteen months the kid was forming full sentences and scared all the women out of the tower. Must have been one ugly kid.

Now don't get me wrong, Merlin is a great guy. I love him to death, after all he did tell Arthur that I, Balin, am one of his most brave and noble knights. Just his back story really freaks me out that's all.

The greatest thing of all about Merlin, is that he helped King Arthur's father, Uther, form the Round Table. This table was for the remembrance of the last supper with the Lord and his twelve disciples. I feel so blessed that this table was created because I am able to be a member of this table being one of Arthur's great knights. 

It is a great honor to be associated with Author because of how he was raised by Merlin and Uther together. Merlin helped bring Uther and Igraine together to craft such a wonderful human, Arthur. But I still do not agree with the whole cheating thing..

Merlin is one of the only men, aside from Arthur whom I would trust with my life and I proved that. He was the one who led me to the castle where I was to fight a knight. The ending didn't really turn out how I imagined especially since I ended up killing my own brother without realizing it, but I would never and will never blame Merlin for what happened that day. 

Farewell for now,

Balin

sources: Lacy, Norris J., and James J. Wilhelm. "Chapter 17." The Romance of Arthur: An Anthology of Medieval Texts in Translation. London: Routledge, 2013. N. pag. Print.