ウェールズ再発見(その4) : ウェールズの伝説とトマス・ラヴ・ピーコックの『エルフィンの災難』

Abstract

Thomas Love Peacock wrote an Arthurian novel, The Misfcrtunes of Elphin, in 1829 adapting three classical Welsh legends, "Cantre'r Gwaelod" or "The Drowning of the Bottom Hundred". Hanes Taliesin or The Story of Taliesin and Vita Gildae or The Life of Gildas. He modified the story of "Cantre'r Gwaelod" for the opening part of the novel. We can meet there Prince Seithenyn, one of the three immortal drunkards of the isle of Britain, who says "There is nothing so dangerous as innovation, " and actually does nothing. Peacock adapted Hanes Taliesin for the main plot of his novel. Hanes Taliesin is the story of a famous Welsh bard, Taliesin, who liberates his master Elphin captured by King Maelgon. Taliesin in the novel, however, does not try to liberate Elphin by himself but comes to King Arthur's court, Caer Lleon, in order to ask for his help. The episode of the abduction of Queen Gwenyvar (Guinevere) by King Melvas and her libcration in Vita Gildae is used for the concluding part of the novel as a double plot of Elphin's imprisonment and his liberation. Because of the adapted episode, The Misfortunes of Elphin became an Arthurian novel with Welsh background. Peacock successfully could create a very interesting Arthurian legend with a strong Welsh flavour.