Post 3: It's a Man's World

In Kate McClune's discussion of Morte Darthur, she differentiated the concept of blood loyalty and chivalric loyalty. I was particularly interested in her mention of where women would fit into this "masculine" system. Throughout history, the blood loyalties of women become confused as they move from the realm of their fathers to the realm of their husbands. Despite their questionable loyalties, the women in Morte Darthur play an important role in this system of loyalties. Although Igraine is mentioned only a few times, she plays a powerful role in exposing Arthur's true heritage. Guinevere tests her loyalty to Arthur and the chivalric loyalty between Lancelot and Arthur in the affair. Similarly, Igraine is torn in her loyalties to the Duke of Cornwall and Uther as her second husband. This situation is somewhat ironic because women were considered to be the irrational, immoral sex; however, it is the motives of men that often determine the loyalties of women.