Paganism in Arthurian romance
Book Description
Beneath the familiar tales of knights, quests, and courtly romance lies a hidden spiritual landscape that predates Christianity by millennia. John Darrah invites readers on a fascinating archaeological journey through the Arthurian legends, revealing how ancient pagan beliefs and sacred practices became woven into these enduring stories.
This scholarly exploration uncovers the deeper mythological roots that nourish the Arthurian tradition. Darrah demonstrates how legendary heroes may have inherited characteristics from forgotten Celtic deities, and how seemingly fantastical episodes might echo prehistoric religious ceremonies that once held profound meaning for ancient communities.
The author's investigation extends beyond literary analysis to encompass the physical landscape itself. He examines how standing stones, sacred sites, and the geography of ancient Britain influenced the spiritual dimensions of these tales. The mysterious perrons of French romances find their real-world counterparts in prehistoric stone monuments, while events centered around Salisbury Plain reveal connections to actual ancient rituals.
Through careful examination of lesser-known episodes and the symbolic geography portrayed in medieval texts, Darrah traces a network of sacred sites along the River Severn and throughout Wales. His work illuminates how the spiritual practices of pre-Christian Britain survived, transformed and disguised within the Christian framework of medieval romance.
For those seeking to understand how ancient wisdom traditions persist across centuries, this study offers valuable insights into the enduring power of mythological storytelling.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 304 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Kings and rulers
- ✓ Explore Biography
- ✓ Explore Camelot (legendary place)
- ✓ Explore Britons
- ✓ Explore Paganism in literature
- ✓ Explore Arthurian romances
- ✓ Explore Great britain, antiquities
- ✓ Explore Antiquities, Celtic
