The Crowning of King Arthur Arthurian Legend The Crowning of King Arthur from Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory

What is a Legend? A legend is a story told about extraordinary deeds that has been told and retold for generations among a group of people. Legends are often about a particular person Legends are thought to have a historical basis, but may also contain elements of magic and myth Myths: stories that a particular culture believes to be true, using the supernatural to interpret natural events & to explain the nature of the universe and humanity

What is a Romance? A romance is an imaginative story concerned with noble heroes, chivalric codes of honor, passionate love, daring deeds, & supernatural events. In the Middle Ages in Europe, wandering storytellers would retell adventurous tales of knights and other noble heroes. These became known as romances, which, over time, moved from the oral tradition into written versions. Writers of romances tend to idealize their heroes as well as the eras in which the heroes live.

Romances cont’d… Hero’s quest motivated by love, religion, faith, or desire for adventure Idealized hero – a knight of superhuman strength, intelligence, and virtue who follows the code of chivalry. Larger-than-life behavior – Survive grave injuries, seek danger, perform superhuman feats, etc.

Romances cont’d… Exotic Setting: Romances are set in imaginary kingdoms with great castles, enchanted lakes, and forest populated with giants and monsters. Supernatural elements: sorcerers and magic spells, giants and dragons, mysterious evil forces and foreknowledge of future events---such elements all play a part in romances. Mistaken identities: In a romance, others are often unaware of a character’s true identity. The truth is usually revealed at the climax of the tale.

Medieval Romance Medieval romances, such as Le Morte d’Arthur, are stories of kings, knights, and ladies, who are motivated by love, religious faith, or simply a desire for adventure. Medieval romances are lighthearted in tone and loose in structure, containing many episodes; characters simply go from one adventure to the next. Usually the main character has a series of adventures while on a quest to accomplish a goal. He must overcome many obstacles on this quest. Le Morte d’Arthur recounts the heroic deeds of noble knights and celebrates the chivalric code of honor.

Origins of the Arthurian Legend Arthurian legend emerged gradually over centuries as storytellers told and retold popular tales about a great chief who mysteriously disappeared but promised to return when his people needed him. King Arthur legends are based on a 5th or 6th century Celtic warlord who lived in Wales and led his people to victory against Saxon invaders. The warlord was said to have been fatally wounded in battle and buried in the abbey of Glastonbury, where a gravestone can still be seen bearing his name.

Sir Thomas Malory Ca. 1405-1471 Arrested in 1451 for a variety of criminal acts including brawling, escaping from prison, plundering the Abbey of Combe, extorting money, and committing rape. Strong evidence exists that the book from which Arthurian legends were passed to the world was written in prison by a man whose violent career was at odds with the chivalric ideals he professes.

Le Morte D’Arthur The title given by printer William Caxton to Sir Thomas Malory’s work about the legendary King Arthur. Malory’s work published in 1485. Described in the preface as “the noble histories of King Arthur and of certain of his knights.” Translated by Malory from a series of long prose romances in French. Although somewhat historical, the Arthurian world is strictly fiction.

Malory’s Writing Style Malory’s style is terse and direct; he and his characters are masters of understatement. Although professedly dedicated to the service of women, Malory’s chivalry is primarily devoted to the fellowship and competitions of aristocratic men. A code of honor is cherished in which men win or lose “worship” through their actions in war or love. (Lancelot)

Chivalry is not dead! Chivalry is a code of behavior that medieval knights followed. It is usually associated with ideals of knightly virtues, honor and courtly love. The terms chivalry and chivalrous are used to describe courteous [polite] behavior, especially that of men towards women.

Code of Chivalry The chivalric code stressed, among other things, loyalty to the king, courage, personal honor, and defending those who could not defend themselves. The Code: Honor Courage Generosity Modesty Honesty Faith in God Loyalty Civility Compassion

RULES/CODES for KNIGHTS To never do outrage nor murder Always to flee treason To by no means be cruel but to give mercy unto him who asks for mercy To always do ladies, gentlewomen and widows succor (to go to the aid of one in distress; to help) To never force ladies, gentlewomen or widows Not to take up battles in wrongful quarrels for love or worldly goods To never lay down arms To seek after wonders

RULES/CODES for KNIGHTS When called upon, defend the rights of the weak with all one's strength To injure no one Not to attack one another To fight for the safety of one's country To give one's life for one's country To seek nothing before honor Never to break faith for any reason To practice religion most diligently To grant hospitality to anyone, each according to his ability Whether in honor or disgrace, to make a report with the greatest fidelity to truth to those who keep the annals

KNIGHT SHIELDS “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” “May virtue lead to immortal glory” "Seize the Momentum of the New Era"