Background to the Arthurian Tradition

Le Morte d’Arthur (1469) Sir Thomas Malory Comprehensive narrative of the Arthurian cycle Definitive Arthurian tale in the English language Follows Chaucer as a great example of the narrative form in the English language

Arthur No definitive image No known historical figure A “made to order” hero who exemplifies the chivalric code of a new civilization gaining significant power Plants the seeds of the tragedy genre

Literary Constructs Loose cause and effect Magic Logic often unimportant Retribution worked out unconsciously Sudden quarrels followed by sudden reconciliations

Motives Elemental passions: bravery, love, revenge, jealousy NOT greed, lust, or cruelty

King Arthur’s House Gorlois of Cornwall Uther Duke of Tintagel Igraine Pendragon Arthur m. Guinevere (no children) Morgan le Fay m. Uriens Elayne m. Nentres of Garlot Morgause m. Lot of Lothian and Orkney Mordred

Lot’s House Lot m. Morgause Gawain “the courteous” Killed by Lancelot Kills Pellinore (who killed Lot) Kills Lamorak (Morgause’s Lover) Kills Uwayne (Morgan le Fay’s Son) Gaheris Beheads Morgause when he finds her with Lamorak Gareth “fair hands” Killed by Lancelot while Lancelot saves Guinevere Agravaine Joins Mordred in the plot against Arthur Killed by Lancelot

Further Resources Select this link for excellent Arthurian resources The Camelot Project at University of Rochester