Adaptation and Use of Celtic Culture in Modern Fantasy Literature

Abstract

Due to the increasing popularity of fantasy literature, many authors enjoy using mediaeval and Celtic elements to add a cultural and supernatural layer to their writings. This is due in part to the influence of Tolkien and Lewis's books, among others. In contrast to other manuscripts, the frequently ignored Mists of Avalon is a direct Celtic adaptation of the Arthurian legend. This study examines the usage of Celtic culture and elements in Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon and J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion through a method of close textual analysis. Similarly, a feminist perspective is selected to interpret the identical conceptions of feminism provided by Celtic components in the works of the two authors. Whereas the legend of King Arthur and Tolkien's writings are commonly viewed as masculine works, The Mist of Avalon and The Lord of the Rings express a more profound sense of feminism. This study discovers a stronger bond between women and non-Christian societies like the Celts in these writings, including a shared destiny.