The use of Arthurian Legend in B5

[B5_Obsessed]

Re: The use of Arthurian Legend in B5

Originally posted by BattleCrow
Did you know that there is a word in summarian i believe it is that is Akosha, meaning a vessel that holds spirit ? How much History of ancient Myths and legends did you study while writing the scripts ? Or maybe did you have the historical background before you began writing ?

Tiffany

JMS has stated that Babylon 5 derives its name from the ancient Babylonian creation myth, so I wouldn't put it past him to include such a reference for Kosh.

[AmyG]

Hi, Tiffany, and welcome!

There was a whole panel at Dragon Con last year devoted to the use of mythology in Babylon 5, and of course the subject of the Arthurian saga came up repeatedly. In the episode "A Late Delivery from Avalon," besides the obvious stuff about Michael York's character believing he was Arthur returne from the care of the priestesses at Avalon, there's also that tantalizing bit at the end when Marcus and Franklin are walking off, and talking about who each of them might represent in the Arthurian saga. Since _nothing_ JMS writes is a 'throwaway,' I'm sure you can find some interesting tidbits for discussion there (Kosh as Merlin, Marcus as Galahad, Franklin as Bedivere, etc. etc.).

Regarding that Sumerian word, I believe you are thinking of "akasha," so there's probably no relation at all to Kosh's name.

Aisling

[Jan]

Hi, Tiffany, nice to see you here!

Even though JMS doesn't hang out here, you've found a great place to find answers to your questions since this site was originally designed as an archive for JMS' posts. For instance I did a search for ' archetype ' and came up with some posts - I think this one might interest you:

http://jmsnews.net/msg.aspx?id=1-11990&query=archetype

This one came up when I searched for ' Arthuran Legend ':

http://jmsnews.net/msg.aspx?id=1-4490&query=arthurian%20legend

I couldn't find anything relevant about your question on Kosh's name I'm afraid. JMS' degrees are in Psychology and Sociology, though, so I'd say it's possible he's familiar with the word you mentioned or perhaps the concept of the 'akashic record' which may be related to your word? His name was originally to be spelled Khosh, by the way.

Hope some of this helps,
Jan

[Dr Maturin]

Many writers consult The Hero With A Thousand Faces for archetypal inspiration.

[BattleCrow]

Thank you Very much

[CRONAN]

Jms no doubt drew upon many things, some of which also include the Arthurian legends, as well as what *they* drew upon and on and on.

As to ''Akosha'', I'd guess its probably just a coincidence, though I suppose anything is possible.

Also, jms doesnt normally hang out here.
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A few of Jans comments:

Yes I have and yes he has. There are certain rules, though, if you don't want stony silence. ;-)

First, don't ask questions that have been asked a million times before. You might want to search here on JMS news before emailing.

Second, and maybe most important, only use email for things that cannot be posted on the Moderated Newsgroup. You won't always get an answer there but if it's something that one of us knows, we'll answer it.


Now as for the newsgroup....go to Google Groups and search for Babylon 5 moderated. You'll find a result "rec.arts.sf.tv.Babylon5.moderated " If you post to it, you have to have a valid email address. When you post the first time, you'll get an automated response with the terms of the group and upon responding that you agree, you'll be able to post.

[BattleCrow]

First i wanted to give a quick greetings to you all since this is my first time posting on the forum. I have been an avid Babylon 5 lover since it began with season 1 on Upn since then i have continued to enjoy all of the episodes.

The question that i really wished to pose though was the use of arthurian legend within the series. Although in season 3 there was a specific episode with an englishman that thought that he was King Arthur that wasn;t nesscerily what i ment. But i still wanted to know why the Arthurian Legend influenced JMS within his story lines.

I also wanted to say one other very kewl thing that i found out about Kosh the first Vorlon ofcourse that was shown. Im sure you did this on purpose but did you know that there is a word in summarian i believe it is that is Akosha, meaning a vessel that holds spirit ? How much History of ancient Myths and legends did you study while writing the scripts ? Or maybe did you have the historical background before you began writing ?

Tiffany