The Prancing Pony Podcast

102 - Arthur of the Century: An Interview with Sørina Higgins

Nov 11, 2018
Sørina Higgins, an Inkling scholar and editor of The Inklings and King Arthur, dives into the fascinating adaptations of the Arthurian legend by Tolkien, Lewis, and Williams. She explains how Tolkien's The Fall of Arthur differs from traditional narratives and discusses the Inklings' use of Arthur to explore themes of war and longing for an ideal kingdom. Sørina also reveals the complexities of Charles Williams’ works, touching on controversial imagery and his relationship with female symbolism. A captivating exploration of literary legacies awaits!
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INSIGHT

Fall Of Arthur Sparked The Project

  • Tolkien's publication of The Fall of Arthur in 2013 inspired Sørina Higgins to edit a collection on the Inklings' Arthurian works.
  • The book argues each major Inkling engaged Arthurian legend in distinct but overlapping ways.
INSIGHT

Arthur As Response To Modern Grief

  • The Inklings used Arthurian legend to respond to 20th-century trauma and longing after world wars.
  • Arthurian yearning offered an image of a glimpsed ideal kingdom that repeatedly fails, matching their sense of Sehnsucht.
INSIGHT

Why Arthurian Stories Are So Adaptable

  • Arthurian material is highly adaptable because it contains many interchangeable threads like quests, Merlin, Tristan, and Grail.
  • Authors can select or invert threads to fit contemporary cultural needs and genres.
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