The Influence Of Greek Mythology On Chaucer’s Works

Early English literature, spanning from the 5th to the 12th centuries, reflects the dynamic evolution of the English language and culture through a rich tapestry of epic poetry, elegiac verse, and religious texts. This literary tradition provides a window into the values, beliefs, and experiences of early English-speaking societies.

A significant influence on English literature comes from mythology, particularly Greek mythology. Greek myths, which include tales of gods, heroes, and supernatural beings, have cast a long shadow over literary traditions worldwide. Although Greek mythology was primarily developed through oral literature, its themes, characters, and narrative structures have shaped English literature across centuries and genres. The intertwining of these mythological elements with early English literary forms highlights the enduring impact of mythological storytelling on the development of English literary tradition.

Troilus and Criseyde:

Geoffrey Chaucer's "Troilus and Criseyde" is deeply intertwined with Greek mythology, specifically the legends surrounding the Trojan War. The poem, written in the late 14th century, is set in the city of Troy and follows the doomed romance between Troilus, a Trojan prince, and Criseyde, a young widow.

The setting of the poem is the ancient city of Troy, a focal point of Greek mythology and epic literature.

Troilus: While he plays a relatively small part in the epic "Iliad," later mythologies and medieval retellings elevated his character, casting him as a tragic hero.

Criseyde (Cressida): Criseyde’s character is based on the mythological figure of Briseis, who was captured by the Greeks and given to Achilles as a war prize. In Chaucer’s narrative, she is depicted as a widow who falls in love with Troilus but is later exchanged for a Trojan prisoner and ultimately betrays Troilus by falling in love with the Greek warrior Diomede.

Fate and Fortune: The themes of fate, destiny, and the capriciousness of the gods, common in Greek mythology, are central to the poem.

Divine Influence: While Chaucer's poem primarily explores human emotions and relationships, the impact of the gods and the notion of fortune are also prominent, reflecting the divine interventions found in Greek mythology.

The Canterbury Tales:

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories told by pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, each reflecting different aspects of medieval society.

The Knight's Tale:

It is set in Ancient Athens and revolves around the story of two knights, Palamon and Arcite, who are imprisoned by Duke Theseus after a battle. They both fall in love with the same woman, Emelye, who is Theseus’s sister-in-law. The tale follows their rivalry and their quest for Emelye’s love, culminating in a grand tournament where they fight for her hand. Ultimately, Arcite wins the tournament but is mortally injured, leading to his death. Palamon, who had earlier been imprisoned and then freed, marries Emelye, fulfilling the romantic and chivalric ideals of the story.

Theseus: The Duke of Athens, Theseus, is a prominent figure in Greek mythology. He is known for his numerous adventures and heroic deeds, including his defeat of the Minotaur and his role in the battle against the Amazons. Chaucer’s depiction of Theseus reflects his mythological status as a wise and just ruler.

The Gods: The story features references to classical deities such as Venus (the goddess of love) and Mars (the god of war). Venus is invoked by Palamon in his plea for Emelye’s love, while Mars is called upon by Arcite in his quest for victory in the tournament.

The Tournament: The grand tournament between Palamon and Arcite reflects the chivalric and martial ideals of both medieval and classical traditions. The structure of the tournament, with its focus on honor and valor, mirrors the epic contests and heroic battles found in Greek myths.

The Wife of Bath's Tale:

It begins with a story about a knight who is sentenced to death for raping a young woman. However, Queen Guinevere offers him a chance for redemption. She tells him that if he can discover what women most desire within a year, he will be spared. The knight embarks on a quest and, after a year, learns that what women most desire is sovereignty over their own lives and their husbands. He returns with this answer, but the tale’s twist is that he must then marry an old and unattractive woman who knows the answer. The knight is initially repulsed, but he ultimately learns to value and respect his wife, who transforms into a beautiful young woman as a reward for his willingness to embrace her sovereignty.

Myth of Midas: The tale makes a significant allusion to the Greek myth of King Midas, who had his ears turned into those of a donkey. In the Wife of Bath’s Tale, this myth is used to illustrate themes of power and transformation. Midas’s story is used to highlight the consequences of a lack of self-control and the importance of accepting and respecting others.

Themes of Transformation: The theme of transformation, as seen in the Wife of Bath’s Tale, parallels the metamorphoses found in Greek mythology. In many Greek myths, characters undergo physical transformations as a result of divine intervention or moral lessons. The old woman’s transformation into a beautiful young woman reflects these classical themes.

The Legend of Good Women:

It is a collection of stories that recount the lives of famous women from history and mythology. Several of these stories are directly influenced by Greek mythology.

Hypsipyle: In the tale of Hypsipyle, Chaucer recounts the story of this queen of Lemnos, who is known from Greek mythology for saving her father and the women of her city. The story touches upon themes of loyalty and bravery, mirroring classical ideals.

Medea: Medea’s story, as presented in The Legend of Good Women, involves her infamous betrayal of her family and her role in the myths surrounding Jason and the Argonauts. Medea’s character is portrayed with a focus on her tragic and powerful aspects, reflecting classical themes of magic, vengeance, and complex female agency.

Cleopatra: Chaucer’s depiction of Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt who is more famously known from Roman and Greek sources, emphasizes her tragic end and her role as a powerful female ruler. Cleopatra’s narrative is interwoven with themes of love, political power, and tragic fate, all common in Greek and Roman literature.

In summary, Greek mythology has a notable influence in Chaucer’s works, weaving classical themes and characters into his storytelling. In The Knight’s Tale, the epic battles resonate with heroic traditions, while The Wife of Bath’s Tale incorporates transformative myths. The Legend of Good Women features legendary figures that reflect classical influence. Chaucer masterfully integrates these ancient elements with medieval narratives, enriching his tales and linking the medieval world with enduring classical traditions. His use of Greek mythology bridges the gap between ancient and medieval literature, offering a unique perspective on both.