The Death of Merlin: Arthurian Myth and Alchemy
The story of King Arthur and the Grail still holds a remarkable fascination for many people. In this classic work, Walter Johannes Stein traces its origins in early Christianity and classical and Nordic mythology, and follows its development in medieval and modern times.
In particular Stein explores the parallels between the quest for the Grail and the medieval alchemists’ search for the Philosopher’s Stone.
This book is a collection of essays that were first published, or delivered as lectures, in the 1920s and 1930s. The first section of the book is Stein’s own memoirs, which ground his research in the cultural background of the era.
CONTENT
- Memoirs
- Historical Periods and the Fate of Nations
- England and the Foundation of Commercial Towns
- Portugal as the Preparer of the British Mission
- The Immortality of Nations Revealed in Myth and Legend
- Is King Arthur a Historical Character?
- King Arthur and the Problem of East and West
- The Revival of the Arthurian Legend in the Fifteenth Century
- Basillius Valentinus in the Context of Arthurian Legend
- The Hare in Myth and Alchemy
- The Death of Merlin
- Thomas Aquinas and the Grail
- The Polarity between Parzival and Gawan
- Tristan and Isolde against the Background of Greek Mythology
- Tristan and Isolde an an Understanding of Minstrel Poetry
- The Seven Liberal Arts and the Twelve Philosophies
Bibliography
Sources
About the Author
Dr. Walter Johannes Stein (1891–1957) was an Austrian philosopher and a pioneer of Anthroposophy. He studied at Vienna University and was a student of Rudolf Steiner. After World War I, Steiner invited him to Stuttgart to teach history and German literature at the first Waldorf school. There, Stein began his lifelong investigation into the Grail legend. In 1928, he published The Ninth Century and the Holy Grail. He moved to London in 1933 and became editor of the journal, The Present Age.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet