Le Morte D Arthur Igraine Quotes

In Arthurian literature, Igraine is often overlooked due to the grandeur of her son, King Arthur. Nevertheless, her character serves as an anchor in the Arthurian legends, contributing to their complexity and depth. As the mother of King Arthur, Igraine holds a central position in the narrative, her maternal influence shaping the destiny of Camelot's future king. By inspecting Igraine's role and relationships in "Le Morte d'Arthur," we can understand her influence on Arthur, her willingness to challenge gender norms, and her complexity as a character in the Arthurian saga. Igraine's maternal influence stands as a pivotal factor in shaping the destiny of King Arthur, Camelot's ruler. Perron (1996) argues that Igraine's guidance and decisions …show more content…

Elmes claims that Igraine's characterization goes beyond her portrayal as just a “mother figure” to King Arthur; rather, she embodies a figure of femininity and agency within the framework of medieval society. Elmes goes into depth on how Igraine's experiences, particularly her relationships with Uther Pendragon and Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall, reveal her inner conflicts and desires. Despite the challenges she faces and the societal expectations placed upon her, Igraine exhibits resilience and strength, challenging traditional gender norms and creating her own path within the Arthurian narrative. Through Elmes' analysis, a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in Igraine's character, highlighting her significance beyond her role as Arthur's mother and instead creating her own destiny of sorts within the narrative. . In "Le Morte d'Arthur," the theme of defying gender norms begins to shape the narrative, as elucidated by Saul (1998) in her examination of courtly love and patriarchal marriage practices in Malory's work. Igraine's experiences serve as a compelling lens through which to analyze the complexities inherent in Arthurian literature. Saul argues that Igraine's relationships, particularly with Uther Pendragon and Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall, exemplify the balance of power and love within the