I wonder who was the first person to suggest that the story of the sword in the stone might be an allegory about the discovery of iron smelting?
In academia? I don't think I've ever heard that. I've seen the connection turn up in fiction—Jane Yolen's "Evian Steel" (1985), Tanith Lee's "Into Gold" (1986)—but only very recently, as Arthuriana goes.
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I assume it's not Rosemary Sutcliff? I haven't read Sword at Sunset (1963) etc. for years. It's definitely not Mary Stewart; her Caliburn is drawn from the altar of Mithras.
no subject
In academia? I don't think I've ever heard that. I've seen the connection turn up in fiction—Jane Yolen's "Evian Steel" (1985), Tanith Lee's "Into Gold" (1986)—but only very recently, as Arthuriana goes.
[edit]
I assume it's not Rosemary Sutcliff? I haven't read Sword at Sunset (1963) etc. for years. It's definitely not Mary Stewart; her Caliburn is drawn from the altar of Mithras.