By David Bozeman
By David Bozeman
Myths and Men
Has anyone watched The Winter King, the latest retelling of the King Arthur legend (adapted from the books by Bernard Cornwell), which premiered last summer on MGM+? I have seen only clips, not enough to offer a review, but tales of a noble, beloved ruler, who united the tribes of England against Saxons and other invaders, continue to strike a chord with readers and viewers. How is it that a mythical ancient figure bears more relevance, even in this cynical and garish age, than rulers who truly existed?
Traditional retellings offer an experience that is transcendent and emotionally exhilarating. Modern versions, however, focus too heavily on realism, replacing lush, green forests with mud, castles with dirt hovels, and the timeless courtesies of gentlemen with 21st Century arrogance and mindless CGI spectacle. But it is myth that stirs the soul, that guards eternal truths, such as humanity's longing for nobility and camaraderie.
Speaking to Our Souls
The rigors of daily life make us yearn for a once-upon-a-time, not out of some momentary flight of fancy but because we sense we do not belong to this age. We are seeking a destiny that eludes us. You cannot wage an epic fight for honor and glory when you're standing in line at the DMV or working two jobs. King Arthur's England beckons to introverted males who feel they possess untapped potential - if life would only offer them a chance.
Most tales of King Arthur showcase young men, naive but ambitious, itching to prove themselves in fight-to-the-death duels and daring rescues, always a servant to the weak and the needy and forever bound to a gentleman's code of chivalry. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, one of the most famous Arthurian tales (and a 2021 film), recounts the story of young Gawain, who sets out for adventure - at the risk of his life - in hope that his exploits would make him not just a hero but a legend.
The Nobility in Your Life
King Arthur, his knights and various other figures are far from sinless. Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur and other writings recount bloodshed, deception, incest, adultery, etc. making these stories relatable but never tawdry and never tarnishing the overall theme of humanity's quest for nobility. Sir Galahad stands alone, as an almost Christ-like figure, who died young and chaste, showing that our most noble deeds begin not with action but with purity of heart. Camaraderie with your brother springs not from a common cause but from the love within your soul.
Today, refraining from a vulgar comment, helping a stranger or complimenting a co-worker all reflect the legacy of the fictional king. The best of humanity lies in mentorship and inspiring the generations behind us. Even the mundane act of haggling over your Wi-Fi bill can present the opportunity to show, if not nobility, then civility and decorum, two traits sorely lacking today.
Your Destiny Lies Here
A life of adventure and discovery on a path to glory, as opposed to gray, anonymous routine, seizes the imagination. The appeal of Arthur and other legends is that extreme scenarios make us see the potential in our own circumstances. Honor, courage, brotherhood - such concepts please the conscience but amount to vague, flowery concepts in a rough-and-tumble age. King Arthur and his knights offer names, situations and a 'real' backdrop against which we measure our own aspirations and potential.
Such legends offer us a glimpse of immortality. Acts of chivalry and bravery, such as Sir Lancelot saving Queen Guivenere from a fiery execution, inspire dreamers centuries later. The average guy knows that his name will never rival the great knights and warriors, but he instinctively knows that his finest moments can, indeed, ripple through time, and fantasy and adventure stories prod him down a better path.
Chivalry is not obsolete. It lives within us. We all carry the legacy of ancient knighthood. So that it will endure, we must enhance it in ourselves and encourage it in one another.
