Brut: Analysis of Setting
"Brut: Analysis of Setting" delves into the rich geographical and historical contexts of the narrative surrounding England's legendary kings, particularly focusing on King Arthur. The text traces the lineage from the mythical first king, Brut, through significant Arthurian locations such as Cornwall, Tintagel Castle—Arthur's birthplace—and Camelot, the legendary court. These settings are pivotal as they enhance the tale of Arthur's ascension, the cultivation of chivalric ideals, and the formation of the Round Table brotherhood.
The narrative spans various locales beyond England, including battles and adventures in France, Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark, which contribute to the expansive legend of King Arthur. The story culminates in the dramatic confrontation between Arthur and his son Modred at Camelford, leading to Arthur's enigmatic departure to the mystical island of Avalon. This setting not only emphasizes the themes of heroism and destiny but also invites readers to reflect on the enduring legacy of Arthurian legend in English folklore.
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Brut: Analysis of Setting
First published: c. 1205
Type of work: Poetry
Type of plot: Epic
Time of work: c. 409-689
Asterisk denotes entries on real places.
Places Discussed
*England
*England. Provides the overall setting for Brut, which is the story of the kings of England from the supposed first English king, Brut, through one of the most legendary English kings, Arthur. Since this work focuses mainly on the story of Arthur, such Arthurian settings as Cornwall; Tintagel Castle, where Arthur was born; and Camelot, the site of Arthur’s court, supply the locales for the events illustrating Arthur’s rise to power and the development of the code of chivalry and the brotherhood of the Round Table. Layamon also recounts Arthur’s battles and victories in France, Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark. As do most versions of the Arthur story, Brut concludes with Arthur’s fatal battle with his son Modred at Camelford and his being spirited off to the mystical island of Avalon, where he will stay until he is again needed in England.
Bibliography
Garbaty, Thomas J., ed. Medieval English Literature. Lexington, Mass.: D. C. Heath, 1984. A full study of Old and Middle English poetry with great emphasis on Arthurian legends. Presents Brut without translation.
Layamon. Brut. Translated by Rosamund Allen. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1992. A very clear translation with well-developed notes and a good introduction. Contains a complete bibliography.
Layamon. Layamon’s “Brut”: A History of the Britons. Translated by Donald G. Bzdyl. Binghamton: Center for Medieval and Early Renaissance Studies, State University of New York at Binghamton, 1989. A fine prose translation with good explication and a complete index.
O’Neal, Michael. King Arthur: Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego, Calif.: Greenhaven Press, 1992. A good primer for students of the Arthurian legends. Presents conflicting theories with both legend and historical evidence.
Wilhelm, James J., ed. The Romance of Arthur. New York: Garland, 1994. Prose and poetry translations of Arthurian tales, including parts of Brut and all of Layamon’s source material.