The famous events of the Canterbury Tales and the Mabinogion build off of a foundation concentrated on love and power, and these two central themes come into conflict with great frequency and little clarity. While socially dictated interactions between the sexes drive the plot of many a medieval tale, it is often quite ambiguous with whom the power truly lies. Although the medieval era as a whole was dominated by men from a political and social standpoint, the authors of these tales present many situations in which it is the women who are--- at times literally--- holding the reins. Furthermore, the way in which the narratives unfold oftentimes seem designed to intentionally mislead the reader, or at the very least, make the reader second-guess …show more content…
The manner in which we are introduced to the main female character in The First Branch of the Mabinogion reflects some of the narrative's trickery and ambiguity when it comes to power within relationships. Pwyll, the Price of Dyfed, takes the risk of sitting on a magical mound, which is said to bring either great pain or pleasure to any man who sits on it (Davies 8). In taking a seat on this mound, Pwyll is putting himself at the mercy of whatever comes next, relinquishing control over his fate. The next thing to come turns out to be a beautiful woman riding on a seemingly relaxed horse. This woman, Rhiannon, gives Pwyll neither pain nor pleasure, nor any form of acknowledgement, as she simply rides on past him. Facing great confusion and a complete lack of control over the situation, Pwyll sends one of his servants to catch her and bring some clarity, and the reader sees a man embark on a fruitless chase of the mysterious woman: "The more he spurred the horse, the further she drew away from him. She was going at the same pace as when she had started. His horse became tired" (Davies 9). Rhiannon's portrayal as an unattainable figure initially places her in a position of power in the reader's mind. The men's unsuccessful attempts to flag her down lead to nothing but exhaustion and frustrated determination. A similar effect is …show more content…
But natheles, for ernest ne for game, He of his cruel purpos nolde stente. To tempte his wyf was set al his entene" (Chaucer 172). The more unbreakable Griselda's resolve proves to be, the more hell-bent the marquis becomes on breaking it and proving that is wife is weak and flawed. Only when he concedes does Walter finally see proof that Griselda