Le Morte d’Arthur and the Mysterious History of the History of Mystery Sir Thomas Malory Le Morte d’Arthur and the Mysterious History of the History of Mystery

The Man Behind the Manuscript Generally believed to be lord of two different estates in England Inherited this property in 1434, age 24 Supposedly turned to a life of crime around age 40 Ambushed and almost murdered the Duke of Buckingham Robbed and threatened many others Accused of rape twice Pillaged the monastery Combe Abbey Spent many years in various jails; never tried Escaped twice; bailed out twice

The War of the Roses Henry VI’s sickness Richard, Duke of York, ruled as regent 1455 - Henry recovered War between Henry (from the house of Lancaster) and Richard (York), who did not want to give up the throne 1462 - Malory is released from jail Fought with Yorkists, but switched sides to the Lancastrians Yorkists won; Edward IV named king Malory was not pardoned; sent back to jail

Meanwhile, back in jail… Second lengthy internment in a decade Obtained books and paper Handwrote “the whole book of King Arthur and his noble knights of the Round Table” Released from jail in 1470; died 5 months later

William Caxton The only printer in England at the time Printed over 100 manuscripts, including The Canterbury Tales Chose only those works which he considered “the best writing of their day” Often wrote his own prefaces; these are considered masterful analyses Reworked Malory’s book into Le Morte d’Arthur Published Order of Chivalry to accompany d’Arthur Meant to be a criticism of the behavior of the nobility and knights at the time Thought to be the only existing version of the stories of Arthur until 1934

The Winchester Manuscript

The WM Continued Compiled from French and English (British) sources Later edited by Caxton into the publication Possibly returned to Malory’s family as a family possession or fun read Discovered in 1934 in Winchester College Librarian discovered in basement Probably written by two scribes Has a unique typeface used by Caxton

Arthur’s Controversial History Based on (Bishop) Geoffrey of Monmouth Prophecies of Merlin, Historia Regum Britanniae, Life of Merlin, 1136 Welsh and Breton folklore from monastery Gildas the Wise (504 AD) and Nennius the Welsh monk (800 AD) French romanticism and poetry of the 12th century Jousting, festivals, chivalry Le Suite du Merlin, British Museum and Cambridge Foundation for Malory’s history Handful of references to an actual “Arthur” Period of peace in the 6th century Coincides with Holy Roman Empire

King Arthur’s World The Dark Ages (450 AD) No true king in Britain Angles, Saxons, Huns, Goths, Franks, and Vandals split Roman Empire into East and West The Holy Roman Empire (476 AD) Catholic Church’s power “Magic” worked with the Church Benedictine monasteries radically changed and supported daily life Influenced the search for religious relics (Sangreal) Helping poor, orphaned, widowed Loving God and the Church Foundation for depiction of Arthurian knighthood

Major Themes in King Arthur Chivalry Criticism of nobility (Henry and Richard) Heroism / Feudalism / Loyalty Inspired heroism and opportunity Christianity Earthly life seen as a battle between heaven and hell / constant religious preparation Religious challenges / journeys Romance

Why Do We Care? Heroes and heroines Standards of right and wrong Emphasis on morality and virtue Reminder of chivalry and selflessness Models for potential leaders Inspires imagination necessary for education Importance of history Validity of sources