There are several regional and generational deviations that influence contemporary adaptations and appropriations of the Arthurian Legend. I am focusing on the differences and similarities exemplified in the “echoes” of Arthurian Legend present in contemporary adaptations and how these regional and generational patterns of additions to and exclusions of content influenced the numerous variants of Arthurian Legend in literature, film, video games, and music. I will be answering the following questions: What is it about the Arthurian legend that has appealed to audiences across continents and time? What makes the Arthurian Legend malleable? Several alterations occur with each adaptation and appropriation of Arthurian Legend. The one element that remains a constant is the significance of a sword or swords. Why are swords used to transfer power and/or lineage and tend to have magical properties or be created by magic? Merlin has been portrayed as a father figure, guide, instigator, corrupter and savior. Why are there numerous variants of the character? There are also two prevalent and opposing interpretations of the Morgana figure. She is either the catalyst that sets events in motion which lead to the destruction of the Arthur figure and his kingdom or assists the Arthur figure in overcoming the obstacles that he faces. What is the significance of these opposing representations of the Morgana character? Why are there incestuous relationships in the Arthurian Legend? What are the consequences of these relationships? Why does the Arthur figure have to be a bastard and/or a child born from incest? I will be examining the Song of Ice and Fire book series and the Game of Thrones HBO series. In addition I will be looking at The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books as well as and films, video games and songs with Arthurian elements.
About the presenterRachael Kathleen Warmington
Rachael Warmington is an instructor at Seton Hall University. She earned her English B.A. from Montclair State University, English M.A. from Seton Hall University, her MFA at CUNY, City College of New York and is ABD at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She focuses on themes of Arthurian Legend and how these themes create the space that challenges oppression in its various forms, but have also been used to perpetuate racism, sexism and religious intolerance.