The Arthurian myths in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and A. Sapkowski

Abstract

The article is devoted to the functioning of the Arthurian legends in the works by both J.R.R. Tolkien and A. Sapkowski. The universe of Andrzej Sapkowski, who inscribed his own story into the Arthurian myth, makes an impression of being rooted in a long, centuries-old tradition. Tolkien also drew from the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, using the eternal desire for the coming of the king – restorer. The most interesting issue is the different approach to the legend presented by both writers. Tolkien omitted elements "contaminated" with Christian influence, extracting the pure essence of pagan Celticism, while renouncing an inspiration from the medieval history. Sapkowski, on the contrary, openly admits to his fascination, apotheising the Arthurian myth in both its forms – the primitive one and the one filtered through the Christian tradition.