The bestiary tradition attributes a strange weakness to the elephant; it sleeps standing up, leaning against a tree, because once an elephant falls it is unable to stand back up (128). Elephants are uncommon in medieval Arthuriana, but the myth of an elephant's inability to rise may underlie its appearance in the Alliterative Morte Arthure. After Arthur successfully defeats Rome in battle, the emperor Lucius is displayed on an elephant as part of the parade that delivers Arthur's tribute (202). The scene associates Lucius with the elephant; though the elephant may suggest exoticism or grandeur (as they were obviously not native to Europe), it may also suggest how thoroughly Rome has fallen.
Bibliography
For more information about the version of works cited, see the Critical Bibliography for this project.
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part I - 1994 (Editor)
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part II - 1994 (Editor)
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part III - 1994 (Editor)
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part IV - 1994 (Editor)
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part II - 1994 (Editor)
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part III - 1994 (Editor)
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part IV - 1994 (Editor)
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part I - 1994 (Revisor)
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part II - 1994 (Revisor)
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part III - 1994 (Revisor)
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part IV - 1994 (Revisor)
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part II - 1994 (Revisor)
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part III - 1994 (Revisor)
Alliterative Morte Arthure, Part IV - 1994 (Revisor)