Idylls of the KingTennyson had a life-long interest in the legend of King Arthur and after the huge success of his poem 'Morte d'Arthur' he built on the theme with this series of twelve poems, written in two periods of intense creativity over nearly twenty years. Idylls of the King traces the story of Arthur's rule, from his first encounter with Guinevere and the quest for the Holy Grail to the adultery of his Queen with Launcelot and the King's death in a final battle that spells the ruin of his kingdom. Told with lyrical and dreamlike eloquence, Tennyson's depiction of the Round Table reflects a longing for a past age of valour and chivalry. And in his depiction of King Arthur he created a hero imbued with the values of the Victorian age - one who embodies the highest ideals of manhood and kingship. |
Contents
Gareth and Lynette | |
The Marriage of Geraint | |
Geraint and Enid | |
Balin and Balan | |
Merlin and Vivien | |
Lancelot and Elaine | |
The Holy Grail | |
Pelleas and Ettarre | |
The Last Tournament | |
Guinevere | |
The Passing of Arthur | |
To the Queen | |
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Common terms and phrases
answer’d arms Arthur Balin battle blood brother brought cast child coming court cried crying damsel dark dead death dream Enid eyes face fair fall father fear fell field fire follow Gareth Gawain Geraint half hall hand hast hath head hear heard heart heaven hold holy horse Idylls King king Arthur knew knight lady Lancelot land leave light live look lord lost Mabinogion maid maiden Malory Merlin morning moved never noble once pass past Pelleas Prince Queen rest ride rode rose round seen shame shield side Sir Lancelot smile spake speak star stood sweet sword Table tell Tennyson thee thine things thou thought thro till told took true Vivien voice wild wood