Eine kurze Geschichte des nachmittelalterlichen Artus

Abstract Arthurian scholarship predominantly deals with medieval works; in recent years, however, a new field of study has opened up focussing on the reception of the Matter of Britain after the medieval period. It is difficult to survey post-medieval Arthurian works and their contexts because, in comparison, there are far more sources to be taken into account and these tend to cover a much longer period. Scholarly writings are also difficult to survey because they often focus upon single works. To bring structure to this complex situation, this article first offers an overview of certain Arthurian works since Malory that are useful as reference points for orientation. It then lists four characteristics that unite Arthurian reception: Plenitude, seriality, recognisability and the primacy of narrative. Finally, the hypothesis is put forward that the history of reception is characterised by a recurring engagement with certain problems. Four problems are reconstructed as examples: History, community, love and the marvellous.