Notes - more with Merlyn & Vivien

           Late morning. You are concerned about Merlyn and Vivien and show the introduction from Tennyson below. You are dropping “wily” from Tennyson’s description and need go no further with Tennyson’s concept of their traditional relationship.

                                      “Merlin and Vivien”

                              By Alfred, Lord Tennyson

                  A storm was coming, but the winds were still,

                  And in the wild woods of Broceliande,

                  Before an oak, so hollow, huge and old

                  It looked a tower of ivied masonwork,

                  Merlin's feet the wily Vivien lay.

Vivien and Merlin Repose

by

Gustave Doré

Gustave Doré (1832-83). "Vivien and Merlin Repose." from: The Doré Gift Book: Illustrations to Tennyson's Idylls of the King. London: E. Moxon, 188-. [Images]

***

         I like a good mystery. I like their developing relationship in The Rebellion because it adds an intimate human dimension to Merlyn’s character. Human relationships are a mystery in their own right. What ever is the combination of attractions that draw one to another in friendship? Love and marriage do not draw the same combinations though mutual trust [certainty, assurance, conviction, credence and reliance] is certainly a validity that covers both aspects. This is my reasoning: Vivien was never attracted to Merlyn for his ‘powers’ because she has always realized that she is the key to the ‘powers’ he further developed in life. I will not have Vivien idolizing Merlyn either because that was never in the cards. Now, are their original attractions the love of Druidic ways? It seems a good place to begin as I have to have a fully developed relationship between the two in mind.

         Almost time for bed. You both got a lot done today in terms of kitchen work – it has been measured and you now know the costs – you have chosen your sink and fixtures as well as a new disposal – in two or three weeks they will be working.

         We have been seven years off and on thinking about what we wanted and now it is about to take place. Very exciting. Also, I have been researching more on what ancient Druidism was all about. It is just reinforcement of what I already have in the books. I know this Druid business well enough.

         I agree. Spiritual qualities come first. The relationship between Merlyn and Vivien and Merlyn and Arthur will show this on a more personal level. People who write on such things, as far as I am concerned, spend too much time on the nature of the soul. The dance is mostly between the heart and mind in real life. The ‘embrace’ of two souls solidifies – it is a very deep anchor which is where you are with the Muse and where you were with Bob.  – Amorella

         It is sad to me that you say, “were with Bob”.

         “Were with Bob in life,” how’s that? – Amorella

         Better. I miss the man.

         When you are dead do you think you will miss your Muse? – Amorella

         If I have memory and consciousness, then, yes. I will miss my family and friends.

         See, you have reasoned it out. Post. - Amorella