The figures of Robin Hood and King Arthur, two medieval creations, remain pillars of popular culture today. Over the centuries, they have been the subject of countless tellings and re-tellings: texts, visual arts, but also films and TV shows have all presented their own versions of the thrilling adventures of the outlaw and the king. Yet their depictions in such re-tellings often differ substantially from what can be read in medieval texts. This course will examine the development and evolution of these two legendary figures, focusing first on Robin Hood and then on King Arthur, and drawing on a range of texts—especially medieval texts—but also on various media.
The course’s first aim is is for students to improve their knowledge of medieval literature and of Middle English by discussing diverse types of primary sources. Its second aim is to increase the students’ understanding of the post-medieval depiction of the Middle Ages, using two familiar figures as case studies.
- Teacher: Aurélie Blanc