The Legend of King Arthur (in 20 minutes or less)

What is an archetype? A recurring pattern of characters, symbols, and themes Characters: knight in shining armor, damsel in distress, good king Themes: Honor and bravery Symbol: The Holy Grail

Arthur’s childhood Arthur is the son of King Uther Pendragon, but is taken at a young age, unaware of his royal heritage

Arthur’s childhood Merlin places the sword Excalibur in a stone containing a spell that only the rightful king could remove it from the stone In need of a sword for his adoptive brother, Arthur pulls Excalibur from the stone, proving himself the rightful king of England

The New King’s First Challenge Creates the Knights of the Round Table ,where each city state is represented by a knight. No one knight, including King Arthur himself, has more power than another.

Guinevere Arthur decides to marry the lovely young Guinevere. She does not see him before they are married. Arthur sends his most trusted knight Lancelot to fetch her.

Mysteries and Evil Plots Arthur unknowingly had a half sister, Morgan de Fey. In an attempts to usurp the throne, she slept with him and conceived a son. Her son, Mordred, threatened Arthur’s marriage and his throne.

A Country Religiously Divided Arthur was a member of the Old Religion, known as Celtic (as evident by keeping a Royal wizard, Merlin) However, a new religion, Christianity was beginning. Guinevere, Arthur’s wife was a member of this religion. Arthur established the crusades.

Crusades and the Holy Grail Arthur sends his knights on a quest for religious artifacts, more commonly know as the crusades. The Holy Grail King Solomon’s Temple Brazintine Crown of Thorns Holy Rod

Trouble At Home During the search for the Holy Grail Arthur’s life begins to fall apart. Gone 10-20 years on his quest. Mordred has been raised to hate Arthur and upon his return, Arthur unknowingly knights his own son and invites him to the round table. Guinevere loves Lancelot.

The Most Famous Affair in Literary History Mordred discovers Guinevere and Lancelot’s affair and convinces the rest of the Round Table to capture Lancelot in the act. Lancelot escapes but Guinevere is captured and is to be burned at the stake for her treachery against the king. Arthur

The Fall of Camelot There are many versions of the story; all end with Arthur’s glorious death in battle.

True History and Themes Most scholars believe that a King named Arthur did defeat the Saxons in the 5th or 6th century, medieval times. Theme: Chivalry: A knight’s code of conduct that includes bravery, courtesy, honor, and being a gentlemen toward women.

Traditional stories about the past that are based on historical fact. Legends Traditional stories about the past that are based on historical fact.

Characteristics of Legends Have heroes who are larger-than-life Concern for right and wrong Support for national pride

Sentence Corrections- May 7 Legends are not based on history. Sir Ector is Arthur’s biological father, and Uther is his adoptive father. Arthur becomes king when he pulls a spatula from a stone.

Activator, May 9 Create a chivalric code of conduct for THS students: Have 5 sentences Start each sentence with Thou shall or shall not

Six sentences- Write your version of Arthur’s death. Activator, May 8 Six sentences- Write your version of Arthur’s death.