Virtue of Knowledge and Freedom

            

It is in my opinion that today’s reading underlined some of the main virtues King Arthur must embody or learn in order to be a great and successful leader. Throughout the different texts, Merlyn is guiding and teaching Arthur in various ways. But, Merlyn cares only to impart a certain kind of wisdom to Arthur.  Merlyn doesn’t think that just because one can fight or joust well that that person is educated or wise. I think that Merlyn wants Arthur to actually learn morality, individuality and freedom. At first Arthurs thoughts and actions are childish. I think that Merlyn changed Arthur into a fish to show him that life wouldn’t be very much different if he were actually a fish. I think this encourages young Arthur to be more comfortable with who he is or more accepting of life in general. Then Merlyn showed Arthur his favorite knight King Pellinore. Arthur seemingly idolized his knighthood skills and I think Merlyn was attempting to show him that just because someone is a great knight does not mean that they are a great person. King Pellinore cheated during the fight which seems counter intuitive to a pure character. Then as the reading continued Arthur learned that Might isn’t Right and that things should be done because it is right for it to be done. At one point Merlyn gets annoyed by Arthur for asking him a question and emphasized the importance of being able to think all on your own. In order for Arthur to quell rebellion and to achieve peace, he must defeat ignorance in thought and ignorance in the old ways of life. Once Arthur matures more in wisdom he is able to turn the tides of the rebellion to end the fight. I think this is also an allegory for the rebellion that takes place within our own minds. Think about the times you wish things were different for yourself, or how our actions stemming from ignorant thoughts have caused injury to ourselves or to others. Think about the  fight between good and evil in ourselves. Merlyn wants peace, wisdom and virtue to reign. This is something he wants to instill in Arthur so that Arthur could then instill in his kingdom. Wisdom frees us from ignorance and grants us individual freedom. Ignorance enslaves our minds and actions.