Idylls of the King Theme of The Supernatural

Is Arthur a flesh-and-blood human being or a fairy child dropped from the heavens by a mysterious floating dragon ship?

Now there's a question. Tennyson never comes down on one side or the other in the Idylls of the King. The mysteriousness of Arthur’s origins matches the mysterious origins of his city, which its gatekeeper claims was built by fairies to the music of their harps. The simultaneous realness and otherworldliness of both Arthur and his city symbolizes what’s mysterious and magical about a world ruled only by promises—those “enchantments” with which Arthur binds his knights.

1. What is the supernatural version of Arthur’s origin? Does this version enhance or detract from his authority to rule? Why?
2. How does Camelot’s gatekeeper claim the city was built?
3. How are the vows Arthur makes his knights swear similar to “enchantments”? What other enchantments do we see in the Idylls, and how do these change our perception of the vows?

The supernatural version of Arthur’s origin enhances his authority to rule because it makes his kingship seem divinely ordained.

The comparison of the vows Arthur makes his knights swear to “enchantments” emphasizes their mysterious and ominous power.