Alfred Lord Tennyson, one of the most significant poets of the Victorian era, wrote a series of poems that revolved around the legendary city of Camelot. The poems were collectively known as the 'Idylls of the King' and portrayed the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The series was first published between 1859 and 1885 and was widely popular during that time.
The Inspiration Behind the Poems
Tennyson was heavily influenced by the medieval legends of King Arthur and his knights. The stories of chivalry, bravery, and honor fascinated him, and he decided to create a series of poems that would do justice to these tales. He believed that the tales of King Arthur and his knights were not just a part of English folklore but were, in fact, a significant representation of the nation's history and identity.
Furthermore, Tennyson was also inspired by the Gothic revival movement that was popular during the Victorian era. The movement emphasized the importance of medieval architecture, art, and literature and aimed to revive the medieval culture in England. Tennyson's poems were a product of this movement and were an attempt to bring back the medieval spirit that had been lost in modern times.
The Plot of the Idylls of the King
The Idylls of the King consisted of twelve narrative poems that were interlinked and told the story of King Arthur and his knights. The first poem, 'The Coming of Arthur,' introduced the character of King Arthur and his rise to power. The subsequent poems dealt with various themes such as the quest for the Holy Grail, the love affair between Lancelot and Guinevere, and the eventual downfall of the Round Table.
The series was not just a retelling of the King Arthur legends but also had a strong moral and philosophical undertone. Tennyson used the series to comment on various issues such as the decline of chivalry, the role of women in society, and the importance of duty and honor.
The Legacy of the Idylls of the King
The Idylls of the King was one of Tennyson's most significant works and had a profound impact on the literary world. The series was widely popular during the Victorian era and was praised for its beautiful language and vivid imagery.
Furthermore, the series also had a lasting impact on the King Arthur legends. Tennyson's portrayal of King Arthur and his knights became the standard representation of the legends and influenced many subsequent adaptations in literature, film, and television.
Conclusion
Alfred Lord Tennyson's 'Idylls of the King' is a masterpiece of Victorian literature that has stood the test of time. The series continues to be admired for its beautiful language, vivid imagery, and moral depth. Furthermore, the series has also had a lasting impact on the King Arthur legends and has become an essential part of English folklore.
