Hidden within the folklore and myths of Western Europe are a wealth of plots, irony and wisdom that have helped shape western thought as we know it. Many of these tales are pure fancy while others have traceable origins.
Take for example the tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Although the notion of a siren-like musician may indeed be pure fable, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that in circa 1200 Hamelin, Germany, did lose its children. Whether the loss was due to the plague, or migration, or a crusade is debatable, however, the real gem lies in this timeless lesson – everything has a price and nothing is for free. Our day of reckoning may be delayed or put off but eventually the Piper must be paid. It is a hard principal, with little room for mercy but if we are to manage our affairs with any kind of success, it is a lesson that must be learned.
Another great tale and one with far older origins, is the Arthurian Romance of the Holy Grail. From Sir Thomas Malory to T.S. Eliot and John Steinbeck, much has been written about the Knights of the Round Table yet the principle that always seems to get missed is the admonition of Sir Gawain.
On the eve of Pentecost, when the knights were gathered in Camelot, the grail appears. When the vision ends, all the knights swear an oath to search for the Grail.
Yet in his wisdom, Sir Gawain counsels that all who undertake this task must find their path and not follow another. As each knight left the castle, Sir Tomas Malory writes, ‘every knight took the way that him liked best.’
As a result; ‘the dark forest,’ first penned by Chretien De Troyes, became more than just a place where adventures happens; it became a metaphor for the deepest parts of our psyche, leaving the reader to ponder; what is my path? Am I remaining true to myself or am I merely following others? Is there enough Sir Galahad in me or do I need self improvement?
Attempting to wrap a unifying theme around this entry would be a stretch. I could tug very hard at the corners and say something about goals and sacrifice. All of which would sound a little preachy. Therefore, I will end with this offering from Shakespeare’s Henry V, that came to mind after watching one too many political adds; ‘The empty vessel makes the loudest sound.’
1 comment:
Matt: I have returned. This is a great posting, and the previous one you did for me as guest contributor was also very good--both being just what I had hoped for. I hope our readers can sense the intelligence and thoughtfulness you have and will gain, as I have, from your wisdom.
Dad
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