Literary notes about Lineage (AI summary)
The use of the word "lineage" in literature often functions as a marker of heritage and social identity, a concept that not only defines individual character but also weaves into larger narratives of nobility and destiny. In many works, lineage is portrayed as a source of both honor and burden, as seen in medieval romances and epic sagas where a noble bloodline, such as that of ancient warriors and kings, confers legitimacy and responsibility ([1], [2], [3], [4]). At times, it is used to emphasize the contrasts between social statuses, as in the brisk challenges of identity in Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe ([5], [6], [7], [8]) and the satirical treatments found in Ben Jonson’s writings ([9], [10], [11]). Moreover, authors extend the significance of lineage to encompass spiritual and symbolic realms, suggesting its power to shape fate and legacy, whether in mythic tales or philosophical dialogues ([12], [13], [14]). Thus, across a diverse range of literary genres—from heroic epics to reflective dramas—the word "lineage" continues to serve as a vital tool in exploring the intersections of family, honor, and historical continuity.
- They are death-omens, ancient of lineage and still encountered.
— from British Goblins: Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions by Wirt Sikes - ] 196 [ Militem (soldier) here signifies a full-fledged gentleman, of ancient lineage.
— from Pan Tadeusz; or, The last foray in Lithuania by Adam Mickiewicz - It was into a pious Brahmin family of ancient lineage that Lahiri Mahasaya was born September 30, 1828.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - Jesu, said the king, I marvel what knight he is, and of what lineage he is come.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - “What is thine own name and lineage?”
— from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott - What is his name and lineage?”
— from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott - “My name,” said the Knight, raising his helmet, “is better known, my lineage more pure, Malvoisin, than thine own.
— from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott - I tell thee, the Princes of the House of Anjou confer not their wards on men of such lineage as thine.”
— from Ivanhoe: A Romance by Walter Scott - A fasting-day no sooner comes, but my lineage goes to wrack; poor cobs!
— from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson - what lineage, what lineage? Cob.
— from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson - Why, sir, an ancient lineage, and a princely.
— from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson - He rightfully receives it only from another swami; all monks thus trace their spiritual lineage to one common guru, Lord Shankara.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - "Thinkest thou my race is lowly, Dost thou think me born ignoble, Does my lineage agrieve thee?
— from Kalevala : the Epic Poem of Finland — Complete - Nothing that we know of in the circumstances of their birth or lineage will explain their appearance.
— from The Republic by Plato