The “matter of France” includes the subjects of the old
French epics. These concern the stories about Charlemagne and a good example is
the well-known Song of Roland. The “matter of Rome” concerned the tales of classical
antiquity, and included stories about Alexander and Troy amongst many others.
The “matter of Britain” derives from the history of Geoffrey
of Monmouth and made King Arthur into a national hero, the British counterpart
of Charlemagne. Nonetheless the pretence of solidity and historical truth found
in Geoffrey was not suitable for romantic purposes and the Arthur found in the “matter
of Britain” stories is very unlike the great imperial monarch and conqueror as
presented by Geoffrey and his followers.
Geoffrey announced his purpose – to set out the deeds of the
kings of the Britons from the first king, Brutus to Cadwaladr, i.e. from 1115
BC to AD 689. It created a new and rich history for a very old country –
Britain which by Geoffrey’s day had been forgotten and passed over for England.
His work restored pride for Britain’s people, the Britons. Because he left the
end tantalizingly open it meant that the Matter of Britain not only referred to
the glories of the past but might well have relevance for the future.
Geoffrey of Monmouth made Britain, not England, the subject
o his work and in the process provided Britain with a glorious pre-English and
non-English past. The Matter of Britain was an overwhelming success,
particularly as the fount of a remarkable body of literature.
Blog Question: What was it about the Matter of Britain that
was so attractive not only to British authors, but to the continental authors
of Romance?
Simply put the matter of Britain was primarily attractive to Briton Authors as it inspired hope, pride and confidence in a sound past and a new glorius future for Britain. This is especially crucial at the time of it's writing as Britain was at a stage uncertanty in regards to it's purpose. In regards to Roman authors, the strong themes of Christianity and man's relationship to divintity resonate with a christian Rome. In addition the use of poetic and elequnt writing add to the popularity it recieved.
ReplyDeleteThe Matter of Britain discusses how the British people created the mythical stories of Brutus, Lear and Arthur throughout the medieval era. It shows how the vast majority of myths embody the origins of a people such as the British who drew their lineage from Brutus (who was the great-grandson of Aeneas) when he lead the various Trojans to Albion and slayed the Giants. The mythical origins of Britain embody supernatural stories such as giants and then combine these mythical creatures with more modern Christian values (Gogmagog is the name of two of Satan’s captains). This mythical origination combines mythical stories with modern Christian and Roman values such as honour and chastity. Romantic novelists use these values from the stories to build stories around. A substantial amount of Romantic literature embodies the old values of honour and valour combined with the mythical creatures that The Matter of Britain refers too.
ReplyDeleteThe attractiveness of the Matter of Britain differs according to the audience. For the British people, a strong foundation myth that focusses on the entire isle of Britain and the Britons instead of the nation of England and the English serves to provide a unification of the people. Thus, it gained widespread attractiveness from not only the English but all British people. The legitimacy that it provides for the new line of sovereigns in linking them with the Trojans is of a great importance to the British people. Furthermore, it's open-endedness and view to the future means that it not only holds significance as a historical fantasy, but has continuing relevance for the present.
ReplyDeleteFor the continental authors of Romance, the appeal of the Matter of Britain wasn't in the foundational aspect of it for Britain, nor was it upon the mythical figure of Arthur. Rather, the great appeal was in the ability to extrapolate on the incidental or subsidiary characters like Lancelot. The attraction lies in the idealised world of Arthurian legend in which chivalry reigns, magic and the supernatural abound, and a host of characters are introduced for which there is sufficient space given to be able to expound upon them. Thus, for example, the tale of the romance between Lancelot and Guinevere has its origin from a continental author. This freedom to portray romantic ideals in an idealised world that has no direct bearing upon their own foundational myths or national identity is the attraction to continental authors.
As John Davenport summarises quite well, the significance of the Matter of Britain appears to lie in the propagation of myths, such as the Arthurian legend, that allude to both contemporary themes and the ancient and mythical civilisation of the founding Britons and their heroes. Davenport highlights the importance of cosmology and eschatology in the myths of Arthur and the promise of his return, which would have made the myth attractive to authors and readers of any day through the depiction of the eternal glory of Arthur, his role in the fate of Britain, and the symbolism of his holiness during the development of new Christian traditions following the departure of the Romans. This would have suggested a much broader meaning to authors and readers, as Arthur is portrayed as a Jesus-like character, whose influence and heroism may even stretch throughout history until the end of time.
ReplyDeleteThis idea that history can be buried within myth is also vital in the influence of the Matter of Britain, as although Davenport describes such mythologies as being written for symbolic purposes in regards to national identity, it is sometimes accurate to describe certain myths as bearing some hint of truth. British authors would therefore have perhaps wished to continue this tradition of emphasising the possible history within myth, as well as portraying Britain's ancient and heroic national identity. Inhabitants of Britain throughout different centuries probably saw the Matter of Britain as a relatable and glorious symbol of their own identity, giving them both religious meaning and a vast history to base their contemporary lives on.
In terms of its influence on the continent, the myths most likely influenced other authors of romance by providing an example of a great myth that could be viewed as both a profound story and a possible history, allowing others to write similar tales of different people and places. However, in some ways many of the myths incorporated into the Matter of Britain may simply have been great stories with identifiable characters that influenced other authors to write similar stories themselves.
It focuses on the founding of Britain and how it essentially became a nation. It is attractive as it provides an understanding of how Britain was founded and provides a history of a nation. It unifies the nation under one title and whilst mostly remaining mythical, also gives an idea of some of the history behind the country.
ReplyDeleteIt also provides Britons with an identity that they can all relate to. The creation myth glorifies the founding of Britain with the arrival of Brutus who defeated the remaining giants.
Myths often influence every day life and so it also provided a basis for how the Britons would perform certain customs.
The widespread attraction of the Matter of Britain appears to me to fit two broad categories – for the British, the foundation myth connecting their settlement of the region with lofty superior origins was attractive through providing legitimacy for the current leadership and past actions as well as a unified history which involved the ethnic groups in turn by select focus on legendary heritage or conquering rights. In this way providing a tradition from which to justify the current lifestyle of both the lower social classes of the original Britons and newer Anglo-Saxon groups as well as the conquering noble Norman elements was appealing and necessary to suit the human desire for conformation of existing social orders. For the continental readership however it seems that the potential for elaboration, for improvement of a national myth up to the Romantic genre, is crucial to its attraction – particularly due to its disconnection from popular knowledge due to the time gap, and the presence of powerful symbols and concepts which could be exaggerated or reworked to suit newer chivalric ideals. Davenport’s argument about the power of using an ‘almost-forgotten age’ to develop a new myth through its lack of actual factual elements is particularly logical to my mind, suggesting that the possible ability of the Matter of Britain to be moulded to suit Romantic styles whilst retaining its main paradigms is key to its absorption into this new popular culture element beyond that of a foundation myth alone.
ReplyDeleteThe Matter of Britain is attractive to British authors as it provides the foundation for the story of the establishment of Britain. It is full of unique and rich themes and stories from which the origins of Britain can be explained. Further, as recognised by Davenport, knowledge of origins is itself a kind of ownership or appropriation, therefore it would be important to British authors to exert some authority over the origins of Britain and refer to the Matter of Britain as one of the key foundations of this knowledge or authority.
ReplyDeleteThe Matter of Britain is also appealing to continental authors of Romance for, as noted by Davenport, it is original and authors enjoy returning to and utilising the unique life-attitude and themes of the early national legends of Britain. Indeed, the matter of Britain provides a reference point to distinguish Britain's origins from the origins of other parts of the globe. By the same token, the Matter of Britain also serves as an explanation of the connection between England's earliest royalty to the Romans, as well as to balancing the religion of newer Christian invader's like the Saxons with "pagan" myths.
The matter of Britain was attractive to authors of romance (whether Briton or not) because it answered a question of Britain’s significance to the world and justified its existence. It examines the struggles of Britain’s need to find a place in world having been quite spatially detached, as Davenport nicely puts it ‘Isolated in space and time’. It encourages a sense of unity among Britons. The cycles of myth surrounding Britain (typically the legends of Brutus and Arthur) pushes us to consider the ‘origin’ of Britain as a nation of peoples whose human nature extends back to these mythologies. There is an incredibly romantic idea in considering the themes, values and morality of the Britons, as they may be today, as building their foundations from the heart of these myths.
ReplyDeleteThe ‘Matter of Britain’ was so attractive not only to British authors, but to the continental authors of Romance because the legendary materials contained themes that appealed to their sense of national identity. In fact, both British and continental European authors could take these themes and adopt it for use amongst their own people, in illustrating or securing their own national identity.
ReplyDeleteAs I assume has already been established by the posts above, 'The Matter of Britain' supplies a foundation myth that unites the Britons. Their geographical location made it hard for the Britons to assimilate to "the old centers of classical civilization in the Mediterranean basin". A connection to Aeneas and therefore Roman divinity gives Britain a connection to power and evokes national identity.
ReplyDeleteWhilst religious themes may also attract 'continental authors of Romance', I would say that identifiable characters are a viable factor of attraction.
The continual interest in 'The Matter of Britain', for British authors stems from the fact it explains the history, origins and creation of Britain. Furthermore, it acts to show Britain's ties to other ancient cultures as well as a world of mythology and magic. As shown, by the links to Troy through Brutus and the inclusion of creatures such as giants and faeries. Thus, making the origins of Britain unique and special, consequently capturing the interest of its people.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, it also appeals to authors of romance the world over due to human traits of the characters and their struggles, making them identifiable. Furthermore, the stories contain themes of humanity, want for glory and romance, whist also exploring morality and humanity. Therefore, it is a mixture of all the perfect ingredients needed for a romantic tale, particularly after it developed to include knights with morals and gentlemanly qualities.
The Matter of Britain proved highly attractive to British authors as it presented an idealised version of British creation and culture. It presented a secure and strong version of British national identity that was doubtless one of the key causes for many British authors to flock under its banner. In continental circles, it would doubtless have proven attractive for its Romantic qualities.
ReplyDeleteThe tying of Britain into myth and religion as present in The Matter of Britain would have been critical in the widespread attraction to the Matter of Britain
The definition of the Matter of Britain has been confusing me slightly. According to John Davenport the Matter of Britain was the mythic period of the foundation of Britain to Arthur's death. This would have been attractive to British writers because it provided them with a basis to expand on the importance of Britain within a larger European context. It may also have been attractive because it provided a basis for political legitimacy. The Matter of Britain provided British writers with a definition of Briton which could be drawn upon in their writings.
ReplyDeleteThe Matter of Britain was also an attractive concept for continental authors of Romance. It provided them with a record of powerful leaders and mystical events which could be exaggerated and instilled with romantic qualities. The character of Arthur became a figure who could represent so much more the the historical Arthur. I think the main attraction would have been the foundation of a history which could be built upon.
The Matter of Britain is undoubtedly valued by the British themselves as a sense of beginning and security in their past. For those outside the boundaries of the land in Continental Europe, the main draw is arguably the setting. The Matter of Britain turns what had once been an insignificant island on the edges of the world, to a special place, a haven. This land is ruled by heroes and filled with gallantry and valour, a place where epic feats occur almost commonly which are described but often vaguely, leaving room for imagination and expansion by authors. There were three main ideas that made it so popular. Firstly it was a glorious tale worth recounting. Secondly it showed that a small nation could become great and so inspired other people that might dream of a similar rise to prominence. And thirdly it incorporated many elements continental authors were familiar with from their own legends, meaning it fitted to the correct style.
ReplyDeleteEleanor Jackson
ReplyDeleteThe Matter of Britain appealed to British authors for several reasons. Firstly, it legitimized the first royal dynasty of the country, tracing their lineage back to that of the glorious ancient Romans. Secondly, a "national myth" needed to be created for Britain, which established it as an 'independent sovereignty' and provided a foundation for its values and traditions. Thirdly, it balanced the religion of its newer Christian inhabitants (i.e. Saxon invaders) with a different, more pagan mythology. Furthermore, the reading questions if the Brutus myth is a response to the Britons' military defeat in the Anglo-Saxon invasions of the 5th and 6th centuries. Arthur is set up as figure who will return at the end of Time to fight for Britain and ultimately defeat the Saxons.
The Matter of Britain has a very wide scope, encompassing the history of Britain (not just England as a nation) from its foundation to the end of Arthur’s reign. This inspires a sense of real substance as well as unification. As stimulating as these qualities are, I think another factor for The Matter of Britain’s resonance with British authors is its open-ended-ness… Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Arthur ends in the capacity of new hope. This is a tantalising prospect to British authors aiming to contribute to their nation’s identity.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, The Matter of Britain inspires continental authors because it creates such a rich and magical world, of mythical beasts and knights exhibiting chivalry, nobility and strength. There is room for additional character and plot development from which further stories can be fashioned within this already established and well-loved paradigm.
The matter of Britain was so attractive to both British and continental authors of romance due to the way in which it encouraged hope and a sense of pride in the the British people. It glorified the past of the Britons and suggested that the future may call upon these legends. The world presented in these tales is one of magic and chivalry, and that in itself inspires many people and isone of the main attractions for other authors. The ideals of Arthurian legend and the sense of honour and courage portrayed in the stories is written in such a poetic way that is is hard to not be attracted to its words. The way in which national identity is so strongly invoked makes this piece attractive to many people.
ReplyDeleteJess Arnephy
The "matter of Britain" involves the myths and legends that justified the existence of Britain to its people, establishes its autonomous sovereignty (with an established line of great kings) and provides a foundation for the values and traditions of the current day.
ReplyDeleteThe reason why the "matter of Britain" was so attractive to the British is obvious, as I said above, it justifies their existence as for continental authors, Britain was seen as a haven at "the edge of the world." Given that it was unattached to the British mainland would've interested continental authors because it would've been seen as exotic, different to continental Europe.
I think the Matter of Britain struck a chord with continental authors in part because of its elements of classical mythology - the familiarity of which would have helped readers and fellow authors relate to the material.The epic and grand scale of the Matter of Britain would no doubt have also provided great inspiration to British authors. Additionally, the Matter of Britain drew mythical elements from Welsh, Scottish, Irish and English mythology thus uniting and honouring all the different parts of the kingdom. This too would have undoubtedly appealed to British authors.
ReplyDelete