The Legend of King Arthur

What is a Legend? a traditional historical tale or collection of related tales popularly regarded as true, but usually contain a mixture of fact and fiction

Who was King Arthur? Ruins and history point to a probable Briton warrior May have been son of Uther Pendragon Existed ca. 450-550 A.D. Led battle of Mount Badon, defeating the Saxons

King Arthur of Legend Son of Uther Pendragon and Lady Igraine Raised by Sir Ector with foster brother Kay Proven heir to throne when he pulls the Excalibur from a stone Educated and advised by Merlyn the Wizard

King Arthur – Literary Tradition First mentioned by a Welsh monk, Nennius in 800AD A Briton warrior who defeats Saxons in 12 battles

Arthurian Literary Tradition Although a Dark Ages figure, Arthur is romanticized by medieval writers: Geoffrey of Monmouth (12th century) Chretien de Troyes (12th century) Sir Thomas Malory: Le Morte d’Arthur (15th century)

The Literary Tradition Medieval authors used elements of Celtic mythology Blended in medieval concepts of knighthood and chivalry Portrayed Arthur as a king, not warrior

Literary Tradition: 19th and 20th Centuries Lord Tennyson (poet) T.H. White (The Once and Future King – book one is The Sword in the Stone Marian Zimmer Bradley (The Mists of Avalon)

The Round Table A gift from his father in law To unite the country, Arthur creates the Knights of the Round table. Each city state (kingdom) is represented by a knight. No one knight, including King Arthur himself, has more power than another Creates a democratic society

Knighthood Medieval concept Warriors and defenders Competed in tournaments and jousts Wore full armor Loyal to local lord/king

The Code of Chivalry A knight should: Use his strength for good Be honorable and virtuous Protect the weak Be courteous Respect and defend women Defend the church Be inspired by love

Camelot Synonymous with peace and perfection Castle and seat of King Arthur’s power Constructed by Merlyn

Guinevere & Lancelot the beautiful Princess Guinevere as becomes Arthur’s bride Merlyn sees this will end disastrously. Lancelot is a knight who will become one of Arthur's favorites and closest friends.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is one of the many stories that focuses on the other knights of the round table. This story comes at a time of peace, after the Round table has been established and Arthur is happily married to Guinevere. Gawain is Arthur's Nephew, son of a sibling of Guinevere.

Mysteries and Evil Plots Arthur has an older half sister - Morgan le Fey (fairy/witch) who believes she is the rightful ruler She sleeps with Arthur and conceives a son, Mordred. Mordred is raised to hate Arthur

Trouble At Home During the search for the Holy Grail, Arthur’s life begins to fall apart. Some versions of the story have Arthur gone 10-20 years on his quest. Merlin is seduced by a young woman who steals his powers and imprisons him. Arthur is left without an advisor. Upon his return, Arthur unknowingly knights his own son (Mordred) and invites him to the round table.

The Most Famous Affair in Literary History Mordred discovers Guinevere and Lancelot’s affair (the two people that Arthur loves most) 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. This leads to a civil war between the two and their knights.

The Fall of Camelot Metaphorically, the country already had fallen with the betrayal of Arthur’s only love and his best friend There are many versions of the story. All of which end with Arthur’s death in battle. Some of the versions include the following battles: Saxons Romans Goths French Irish Lancelot Morgan le fey Mordred All of the stories end with Arthur’s glorious death in battle, all that any legendary king or hero can ask for