While reading this story, I think that overall, it was pretty realistic and definitely could have happened in a much less exaggerated sense. Despite giants not existing, a couple of the tasks that Vsbaddaden gave to Culhwch seemed like random errands that he did not feel like doing himself. I felt it was very plausible that when Culhwch went to the giant and demanded his daughter's hand in marriage, Vsbaddaden could have just decided to shift his work to the man since he was too lazy to do it himself. For being "impossible tasks," it sure didn't seem that difficult to do when Vsbaddaden told Culhwch to burn a bush, plant a garden, plow the fields, and collect kitchen utensils for the feast. Also, despite the giant telling Culhwch not to worry about the food and clothing for the wedding, a lot the tasks specifically dealt with preparing the food and clothing.
I also think that it was realistic that Arthur would want to help Culhwch out with the tasks, considering that he was Culhwch's first cousin. Rescuing a man from prison, stealing a sword, and killing a boar, all seem like things that would have happened in Britain back then, with exaggerations later having been added to the story to make it seem more thrilling.
No comments:
Post a Comment