A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream

William Shakespeare | 1564-1616
William Shakespeare, born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564 and passing away in 1616, is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated playwrights and poets in history. His works have had a profound and enduring impact on literature and drama. While Shakespeare is best known for his plays, sonnets, and other poetic works, it’s interesting to note his subtle incorporation of Arthurian elements in one of his plays.
In A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, believed to have been written in the late sixteenth century, Shakespeare weaves a comedic and fantastical narrative involving the interactions of fairies and mortals. The character Oberon, the fairy king, plays a significant role in the plot. Oberon’s role in A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream mirrors certain aspects found in Arthurian literature.
In Arthurian legend, Oberon is often associated with the fairy realm and is sometimes portrayed as a king of the fairies. The character’s presence in Shakespeare’s play aligns with the traditional roles of Oberon in medieval romances, where he is linked to enchantments, magical interventions, and the world of the supernatural.
Shakespeare’s use of Arthurian elements in A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream showcases his ability to draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including medieval legends and folklore, to enrich the tapestry of his works. It also reflects the enduring influence of Arthurian themes on literature and storytelling, even in the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods when Shakespeare was active.