Analysis Of The Sword Bridge

Since humans are mortal, the sensation of pain is integral to the human condition. On one hand, pain alerts the body of a danger that is threatening its overall well-being; however, pain can be used as a means of torture to break the psyche or willpower of someone. As Lancelot races to save his queen from the evil Méléagant, he encounters the Sword Bridge. This Bridge is notorious for its slender construction, making it impossible for one to walk across the bridge safely. Underneath the bridge, Lancelot looks at the “treacherous water, black and boiling, swift and harsh, as horribly evil, as if it flowed from the devil…” (95). Even though the Sword Bridge itself is quite perilous, at the end of the bridge, “a pair of lions… [is] chained to

Throughout the journey, Lancelot faces a multitude of challenges that should have resulted in death or injury, particularly the Sword Bridge. Even though the Bridge had a slender build, Lancelot does not allow impending danger—and possibly death—encumber him. Lancelot “held tight to the sword-blade Bridge, as sharp as a razor... [Lancelot did not fear] sharp edges slicing away at his flesh, much preferring bloody wounds to falling into that icy water…[he accepted] the immense pain and suffering” (98). Lancelot naturally feels the Bridge slicing away at his unarmored flesh, yet Lancelot is able to muster internal strength to ignore the pain that he feels. Atop of his lofty tower, Méléagant’s father sees Lancelot’s courageous act of crossing the Sword Bridge. In response, he rushes down to meet Lancelot. After finding the knight, he states, “Sir, I am astonished to find you making such a sudden visit to this country. But I must tell you how welcome you are, for no one’s ever attempted so dangerous a feat…I place myself completely at your service, at your need” (106). In this age, social hierarchy is highly important. A person’s rank determined their worth and position. Because of Lancelot’s overwhelming determination to save his queen, the King not only welcomes Lancelot (who is a

Guinevere was still being held in the King’s palace, but Lancelot, strengthened by his utter love for Guinevere, breaks into the palace, almost dismembering his pinky finger in the process. Once he was in the presence of his beloved Queen, Lancelot’s countenance, and characterization changed—similarly to how Odysseus changed as well. During his rendezvous with the queen, “Lancelot knew a delight so fine, so wondrous, that no one in the world has ever before, known anything like it…That night, and all night long, Lancelot experienced incredible joy” (148). Being in love with someone carries emotions that supersede physical attraction. When one shares their love and undying passion for another, it is a beautiful and sacred commitment not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. Love is one true reward for being human being! In the Bhagavad-Gita, the relationship between Krishna and Arjuna collectively sums up most of the rewards and difficulties in being human. In the case of love, the actual word is never stated; however, one can infer that Arjuna greatly loves Krishna. Out of Arjuna’s overwhelming love and respect for Krishna, love ensued. Krishna reveals his totality to Arjuna, who, in awe, states, “I see your boundless form everywhere, the countless arms, bellies, mouths, and eyes; Lord of All, I see no end, or