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

The drug abuse of Magic in Medieval LiteratureThe concept of supernatural and supernatural creatures has been around for a long time, however, in the time period ranging from Beowulf to Malorys Arthur, thither has been an evolution in attitudes and the consequent treatment of magic in mediaeval literature. The discussion of magic involves not notwithstanding the disparity between Christian and pagan tradition but also of gender roles, most notably in the Arthurian mythos. Beowulf, Marie De Frances Bisclavret and Lanval, Sir Gawain and the Green horse cavalry 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 feared and unworldly. It is definitely not an brass of normal, courtly life. Grendel and his mother are both magical beings, and it is quite unambiguous that they are clearly not the protagonists of the story. Magic was a symbol of power, whether of order or of strength, and Grendel and his mother fit into the latter category. Grendel also poses a quarrel to the power of the ruling class. His whole target is Hrothgars great hall - It was unaffixed then to meet with a man shifting himself to a safer keep to bed in the bothies, for who could be blind to the evidence of his eyes, the obviousness of the hall-watchers scorn? - apparently, the rest of the land is quite safe from demons such as Grendel(Beowulf 35). Grendels franchise 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 slightly 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. Despi te this, however, it cannot be denied that magic in medieval literature contributes to its unique and distinctive nature. plant 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 World 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.