Lev Grossman wanted to bring the magic back to King Arthur

As a reader who has delved deeply into the world of Lev Grossman‘s fiction, I find his perspective on storytelling and the complexities of mythological figures to be both fascinating and thought-provoking. His ability to breathe new life into beloved characters like Arthur and Merlin while also challenging long-held assumptions about their motivations and actions is truly a testament to his skill as a writer.

I used to believe that King Arthur’s stories had lost their magic on me. With its deep roots in English literature and countless adaptations throughout history, it seemed challenging to find new perspectives on this iconic figure in 2024. However, after reading Lev Grossman’s The Bright Sword, I was astounded by the freshness and depth he brought to the table.

At first, Grossman’s novel tells the tale of Collum, a knight-in-training who shows up in Camelot two weeks following Arthur’s demise, only to discover a tumultuous Britain. However, this work expands beyond Collum’s story and delves into the rich tapestry of Arthurian legend and folklore, offering a fresh interpretation of the beloved mythos that highlights the power of stories in shaping identities and nations.

More recently, in an interview with TopMob, Grossman shared his deep-rooted fascination with the legend of King Arthur, the similarities between “The Bright Sword” and his Magicians series, and how Merlin was notoriously difficult and uncooperative throughout.

As a huge fan of Arthurian legend, I was aware that King Arthur might not be the instant go-to figure when it comes to modern fantasy. Yet, despite being overshadowed by more contemporary fantasies, Arthur’s enduring influence remains significant. This awareness added an extra layer of excitement for me as I dived into the world of this retelling.

Lev Grossman: I hadn’t found my version of the legendary King Arthur from this modern era that felt true to me. There’s been a trend lately to ground Arthur in historical reality and eliminate the magical elements. Aaron Sorkin did this when he remade “Camelot.” However, I wanted to take a different approach and emphasize the romance, magic, and larger-than-life qualities of King Arthur, while ensuring he remained a fundamentally good character. If he’s portrayed as a jerk, he ceases to be an authentic representation of the mythical king.

In your tale, the roles of lesser-known Arthurian characters take center stage. At any moment during the writing process, did you consider excluding King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, or other famous figures from the narrative?

For me, there was never a doubt. As an ardent fan of King Arthur, I had always longed to encounter his legendary heroes. My desire was to experience firsthand some of the pivotal moments in Arthur’s storied life. I didn’t want you to finish reading the 700-page tale feeling unsatisfied, as if you hadn’t witnessed the iconic events: the Excalibur extraction from the stone, the Quest for the Holy Grail, and more.

“Determining the ideal amount of Arthur was quite challenging. Despite his infrequent appearances and minimal speaking parts, his impact was significant and profound, akin to the words of Christ written in red.”

Arthur is an intriguing figure in the literature, known for his silence and lack of lengthy speeches. It’s a shame Shakespeare didn’t pen a King Arthur play as his unique storytelling would have added depth to the character.

Throughout much of his existence, this man has generally remained tranquil and uninvolved in the thrilling exploits unfolding around him. Adventures transpired nearby, questionable actions took place within his vicinity, yet he predominantly stayed seated at the table, declining to embark on the quest for the Holy Grail. His mind, however, was anything but still. Brimming with brilliance and ambition as it was, one could only imagine the intense mental activity that transpired within. I pondered extensively over how he would speak and what it would be like to peer into his thought process.

In this narrative set in the Catholic High Medieval era, let’s discuss the role of God and His perceived influence on the story. Characters may interpret His presence differently, but as a writer working within this tradition, how does God factor into your unique perspective?

Since the early stages of Arthur’s tradition, God plays a highly active role in his story, almost like a character itself in “Le Morte d’Arthur.” Divine interventions are frequent, filled with wonders and miracles. God is not an absent or distant deity, but rather an omnipresent one who is always close by. I felt it was important to acknowledge this aspect of Arthur’s legend.

I shared an uneasy feeling as well, given I don’t identify as Christian. Instead, I viewed God as a character in Arthur’s mythology. Above all, I sincerely strove to show respect for the profound role of God in Arthur’s narrative – a narrative filled with attempts to please the divine and fall short.

In the transition from “The Magicians” trilogy to “The Bright Sword,” there’s a noticeable focus on laborious elements in your fantasy world. In “The Magicians,” magic is portrayed as challenging, and you have delved into the intricacies of swordsmanship to highlight the heroes’ expertise. This technical aspect provides a satisfying experience for readers. Why is this an important theme?

In many fantasy stories, magic and swordplay serve as metaphors for the craft of writing itself for authors. I wasn’t born with an abundance of natural talents, and developing the skills to write effectively took me a great deal of time and hard work. My debut novel, “The Magicians,” was published when I was 40, after I had spent twenty years honing my fiction writing without much success. The sense of exertion required and the eventual achievement of power are themes that resonate in both my own experiences and those of my characters, such as Gollum and Quentin.

Another version: In your rendition of Lancelot and Guinevere’s tale, you frequently emphasize the powerful allure of stories, making listeners or readers feel uniquely captivated.

I completely resonate with this idea. It’s undeniable that stories, especially those spread through disinformation, hold immense power over shaping public opinion and even the trajectory of nations. This isn’t about politics per se, but rather acknowledging the influence of well-crafted narratives, regardless of their truthfulness.

In “The Bright Ssword,” your portrayal of King Arthur is undeniably heroic and valiant, leaving me in awe. Yet, I’ve noticed an intriguing twist in how you’ve depicted other iconic Arthurian figures who are typically revered for their virtues. Could it be that this was your deliberate subversion to add depth and complexity to these classic characters?

In “The Magicians,” I didn’t always handle the sources of my inspiration with reverence, and I took some creative liberties for amusement. However, concerning “Arthur,” I’m anxious that readers might expect a similar treatment due to my previous work. Rest assured, my approach towards Arthur is distinct!

Reflecting on my encounters with some intriguing characters, like Merlin for instance, I couldn’t help but ponder over his enigmatic identity. Who was this man truly? Sitting in quiet contemplation, I considered him to be a devout practitioner of the ancient magical arts indigenous to Britain. But how could such a figure find a place in the court of a deeply Christian monarch?

In contrast, I wanted to depict Guinevere as a sharp and strong character, defying the common portrayal of her as weak or easily swayed by Lancelot’s charms. It was essential for me to give Guinevere intelligence and resilience in the story, as I believed she deserved that representation.

Merlin’s such a dick in this book, man.

As a dedicated fan of the classic Arthurian legend, I have delved deep into the rich tapestry of stories surrounding Merlin and Uther Pendragon for years. And let me tell you, my dear reader, there’s a darker side to this tale that often goes unspoken.

Many individuals are actively using myths for ideological purposes nowadays. For instance, Arthur has frequently been utilized as a symbol for nationalist causes. As a myth interpreter, do you view this process as a competitive race or an expression of optimism?

The complexities of novels and fiction are among my favorite aspects. I hold a deep affection for Arthur and Camelot. Interestingly, as we and Arthur discover throughout the story, Camelot represents a vestige of empire. Historically, Arthur was a Briton who adopted Roman customs and continued to uphold them after the Romans departed. In essence, he collaborated with the Romans. Despite this, Arthur is often romanticized as a symbol of Britishness and national integrity – an intriguing twist since he was actually striving to keep the English at bay.

I yearned to explore the genesis of a nation, an intricate origin story that defied simple explanations. It wasn’t as if “we had always been here.” Instead, the Saxons arrived as conquerors, yet so did the Celts. Those who inhabited the land before them were likely invaders themselves. Britain’s early history is a tapestry of invasions. Arthur’s Britain was deeply fractured, striving to forge its identity even amidst external threats. Witnessing this nation’s inception is fascinating because it’s not a straightforward process; instead, it’s a complex and captivating unfolding of history.

The Bright Sword is now available wherever books are sold.

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2024-07-16 18:19