Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King” is a poetic masterpiece that tells the story of King Arthur and his knights. This epic tale is a collection of twelve poems that chronicle the rise and fall of Arthur’s reign, his love for Queen Guinevere, and the ultimate betrayal by his trusted knight, Sir Lancelot. In this article, we will provide a summary of each of the twelve idylls, exploring the themes and characters that make this work of literature a timeless classic.
The Legend of King Arthur
The Legend of King Arthur has been a source of fascination for centuries, inspiring countless works of literature, art, and film. At the heart of this legend is the story of a young boy who, through his bravery and wisdom, becomes the greatest king in all of Britain. From his humble beginnings as a squire to his eventual rise to power, Arthur’s tale is one of adventure, romance, and tragedy. And while the details of his story may vary depending on the source, one thing remains constant: the enduring appeal of this legendary figure.
The Birth of ‘Idylls of the King’
Alfred Lord Tennyson began writing “Idylls of the King” in the early 1850s, inspired by the legends of King Arthur and his knights. The first four idylls were published in 1859, and the final twelve were completed and published in 1885. Tennyson’s goal was to create a unified narrative of the Arthurian legends, exploring themes of chivalry, love, and the downfall of a great king. The poem was well-received by critics and the public alike, and remains a classic of English literature.
‘Idylls of the King’: An Overview
‘Idylls of the King’ is a collection of twelve narrative poems by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which retell the legend of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. The poems were written over a period of twenty years, from 1856 to 1885, and were published in four volumes. Tennyson’s ‘Idylls of the King’ is considered one of the most significant works of Victorian literature, and it has had a lasting impact on the popular imagination. The poems are characterized by their vivid imagery, rich symbolism, and complex themes, which explore the nature of love, honor, duty, and destiny. The ‘Idylls of the King’ is a powerful and moving epic tale that continues to captivate readers today.
‘Enid’
Enid is one of the main characters in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s Idylls of the King. She is the wife of Geraint, a knight who sets out on a quest to prove his worth and restore his reputation. Enid is a loyal and devoted wife who accompanies Geraint on his journey, despite his initial reluctance to bring her along. Throughout the story, Enid faces many challenges and dangers, but she remains steadfast and supportive of her husband. Her character represents the virtues of loyalty, devotion, and perseverance, and she serves as a counterpoint to the more flawed and selfish characters in the story. Overall, Enid is a key figure in the epic tale of Idylls of the King, and her story adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
‘Vivien’
Vivien is a character in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King” who is known for her cunning and deceitful nature. She is introduced as a young woman who is sent to the court of King Arthur to learn the ways of the world. However, Vivien has other plans in mind. She sets her sights on Merlin, the powerful wizard who serves as Arthur’s advisor. Vivien is determined to seduce Merlin and learn his secrets, which she believes will give her power and control over others. Despite Merlin’s warnings, Vivien continues to pursue him, using her beauty and charm to manipulate him. In the end, Vivien succeeds in tricking Merlin and stealing his knowledge, but she ultimately pays a heavy price for her actions. Vivien’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the consequences of using deceit to achieve one’s goals.
‘Elaine’
Elaine is one of the most tragic characters in the epic tale of ‘Idylls of the King’. She is a young woman who falls deeply in love with Sir Lancelot, one of King Arthur’s knights. However, her love is unrequited, and she eventually dies of a broken heart. Elaine’s story is a poignant reminder of the power of love and the devastating consequences of unrequited affection. Despite her tragic fate, Elaine remains a beloved character in the Arthurian legend and a symbol of the enduring power of love.
‘Guinevere’
Guinevere, the queen of King Arthur, is a central figure in the epic tale of “Idylls of the King.” She is portrayed as a beautiful and intelligent woman, but also as a flawed character who succumbs to temptation and betrays her husband with his trusted knight, Sir Lancelot. This betrayal ultimately leads to the downfall of the Round Table and the end of Arthur’s reign. Despite her actions, Guinevere is also shown to be remorseful and regretful, and her character serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving in to desire and the importance of loyalty and honor.
‘The Holy Grail’
The Holy Grail is a central theme in the epic tale of ‘Idylls of the King’. It is a sacred object that is said to have been used by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper. The Grail is believed to have miraculous powers and is said to bring eternal life to those who drink from it. In the story, King Arthur and his knights embark on a quest to find the Holy Grail, which is believed to be hidden in a mystical castle. The quest is fraught with danger and challenges, and not all of the knights are able to complete it. The Holy Grail represents the ultimate spiritual quest, and the search for it is a metaphor for the search for meaning and purpose in life.
‘Pelleas and Ettarre’
“Pelleas and Ettarre” is one of the most intriguing tales in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King.” The story revolves around the love triangle between Pelleas, Ettarre, and Gawain. Pelleas, a young knight, falls in love with Ettarre, a beautiful queen who is married to an old and sickly king. Ettarre, who is unhappy in her marriage, reciprocates Pelleas’ feelings and they begin a secret affair. However, their happiness is short-lived as Gawain, a close friend of Pelleas, discovers their secret and confronts Ettarre. In a fit of rage, Ettarre accuses Pelleas of attempting to rape her, which leads to his banishment from the kingdom. The story ends tragically with Pelleas’ death and Ettarre’s suicide. “Pelleas and Ettarre” is a powerful tale of love, betrayal, and the consequences of one’s actions.
‘The Last Tournament’
“The Last Tournament” is the final section of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King.” It tells the story of King Arthur’s last jousting tournament, which is held in honor of his marriage to Guinevere. However, the tournament is marred by the presence of a mysterious knight who challenges and defeats all of the other knights. This knight is revealed to be Lancelot, who has returned to Camelot to win back Guinevere’s love. The tournament ends in tragedy as Lancelot and his followers are forced to flee from the wrath of Arthur and his knights. This section of the epic tale explores themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal, and serves as a fitting conclusion to Tennyson’s retelling of the Arthurian legend.
‘Balin and Balan’
“Balin and Balan” is one of the most tragic tales in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King.” The story revolves around two brothers, Balin and Balan, who are sent on a mission to retrieve a magical sword from a mysterious lady in the forest. However, things take a dark turn when Balin accidentally kills the lady’s brother, who was disguised as a knight. This sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to the downfall of both brothers. Balin becomes consumed by guilt and madness, while Balan is forced to fight his own brother in a tragic duel. The story is a powerful exploration of the themes of honor, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s actions.
‘Merlin and Vivien’
In the section “Merlin and Vivien,” Tennyson tells the story of Merlin, the wise and powerful wizard, and Vivien, a beautiful and cunning woman. Vivien seeks to learn Merlin’s secrets and uses her feminine wiles to manipulate him. However, Merlin sees through her deceit and warns her of the dangers of her actions. Despite his warnings, Vivien continues to plot against him, ultimately leading to his downfall. This section explores themes of power, manipulation, and the consequences of one’s actions.
‘Lancelot and Elaine’
In “Lancelot and Elaine,” Tennyson tells the story of Elaine, a young woman who falls deeply in love with Lancelot, one of King Arthur’s knights. Despite her best efforts to win his heart, Lancelot remains devoted to Queen Guinevere. Elaine’s unrequited love ultimately leads to tragedy, as she dies of a broken heart after Lancelot accidentally kills her brother in a jousting match. This section of “Idylls of the King” explores themes of unrequited love, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s actions.
‘Gareth and Lynette’
“Gareth and Lynette” is one of the most captivating tales in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King.” The story follows Gareth, a young knight who is determined to prove himself worthy of his place at King Arthur’s Round Table. However, his journey is not an easy one, as he must first overcome the doubts and challenges presented by Lynette, a haughty lady who believes that Gareth is not fit to be a knight. Despite her constant insults and criticisms, Gareth remains steadfast in his determination to prove himself, and eventually wins Lynette’s respect and admiration. This tale is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and self-belief, and is sure to inspire readers of all ages.
‘The Passing of Arthur’
“The Passing of Arthur” is the final section of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s epic poem, “Idylls of the King.” It tells the story of King Arthur’s death and the end of his reign. The poem begins with Arthur’s knights mourning his impending death and ends with his body being taken to the mystical island of Avalon. Throughout the section, Tennyson explores themes of honor, loyalty, and the inevitability of death. The poem is a powerful meditation on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of human life. Despite its somber tone, “The Passing of Arthur” is a fitting conclusion to Tennyson’s epic tale of King Arthur and his knights.
The Legacy of ‘Idylls of the King’
The legacy of ‘Idylls of the King’ is one that has endured for over a century. Tennyson’s epic tale of King Arthur and his knights has inspired countless adaptations, from stage plays to films to television shows. The themes of honor, chivalry, and the struggle between good and evil continue to resonate with audiences today. Additionally, Tennyson’s use of language and poetic form has influenced generations of writers and poets. ‘Idylls of the King’ remains a classic work of literature that continues to captivate readers and inspire new interpretations.
The Themes of ‘Idylls of the King’
The themes of “Idylls of the King” are numerous and complex, but they all revolve around the central idea of the decline of Arthurian society. Tennyson explores the themes of chivalry, honor, loyalty, love, and betrayal through the stories of Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, and other knights of the Round Table. The epic poem also delves into the conflict between Christianity and paganism, as well as the tension between the old and the new ways of life. Ultimately, “Idylls of the King” is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, ambition, and moral decay, and a reminder that even the greatest heroes can fall from grace.
The Reception of ‘Idylls of the King’
The reception of “Idylls of the King” was mixed upon its initial publication in 1859. Some critics praised Tennyson’s epic poem for its beautiful language and vivid imagery, while others criticized it for being too long and convoluted. However, over time, “Idylls of the King” became recognized as one of Tennyson’s greatest works and a masterpiece of Victorian literature. Its themes of chivalry, honor, and the struggle between good and evil continue to resonate with readers today.