Response #3

Today, the concept of “Love at First Sight” seems to remain contained to reality television shows and Amanda Seyfried movies. But apparently, at one point in history, such an idea was widely accepted. Consider Arthur’s declaration of love for Guenivere, inspired by his knowledge that this woman was “the most valiant and fairest” in the land. The so-called “big questions” (How many children will we have? Cat person or dog person?) don’t even come into the picture for this pair; a single look is grounds for a marriage proposal. Arthur is certainly not the only literary figure to succumb to spontaneous “love”. In the medieval Welsh story The Mabinogion, the character of Pwyll comes upon a young woman named Rhiannon in the forest. Immediately, Rhiannon tells Pwyll that she loves him; of course, the two have never met. Nevertheless, they agree to marry in one year’s time. Keep in mind that Pwyll, a king, already has a wife at home. In typical medieval fashion, the author never reveals what comes of Pwyll’s existing marriage. Apparently, it does not matter. “Love at First Sight” is just too strong! Yet, as we discussed in class, the idea of love seems to have a much different meaning nowadays. Somehow, I cannot imagine that any of my peers would meet a man in the woods and immediately ask for his hand in marriage. But maybe we are simply not as charming as Guenivere or Rhiannon.