One character that really confuses me during this reading is Merlin. What role does he play in the kingdom? Is he Arthur's advisor? Does he actually want the throne and Arthur to be a figurehead? These are some of the questions I'd like to know the answers too.
I think he is a teacher first and foremost, and sometimes this requires unconventional methods like Merlin often uses. though, I wouldn't entirely put it past him to have ulterior motives; Merlin is ultimately an enigma
ReplyDeleteI think the best way to explain Merlin is by comparing him to Master Oogway from Kung Fu Panda. He has a lot of advice to offer and wants some control but he doesn't want the spotlight and pressure of being the King.
ReplyDeleteI think that all good leaders need advisors. Those who just do what they want without taking advice are shown throughout medieval literature (and beyond) to be tyrants who simply govern by their own whims. One of the most popular genres of medieval literature is called "advice to princes." But these books were read m=not just by royalty, but by lots of people - they are kind of like today's self-help books or like those "how to succeed in business" books. These texts show people how to be a good person and to be a good leader. In that context, Arthur needs someone to help him, to show him a good path, to teach him wisdom and ways to think for himself so that he doesn't become just another petty tyrant but instead is a leader who thinks of others before himself.
ReplyDeleteI think that Merlin's goal is to simply guide Arthur to be a great king. That may be why at times Merlin does not give him all the answers outright and makes Arthur think for himself.
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