KING ARTHUR Copyright 2006 Dunstanburgh Project

INTRODUCING KING ARTHUR Historical Arthur Dark Ages Literary Arthur Medieval

Arthur as presented in the legends was NOT a real person. There was, however, a chieftain named Arthur.Arthur as presented in the legends was NOT a real person. There was, however, a chieftain named Arthur. Historical Arthur lived in the Dark Ages, at the end of the 5 th and beginning of the 6 th centuries.Historical Arthur lived in the Dark Ages, at the end of the 5 th and beginning of the 6 th centuries. Literary Arthur comes from medieval times, during the 12 th century.Literary Arthur comes from medieval times, during the 12 th century.

IMPORTANT CHARACTERS Merlin – Arthur’s counselor, prophet, magician, & wizard.Merlin – Arthur’s counselor, prophet, magician, & wizard. Morgan le Fay – Arthur’s half sister; healer & shape-changer; an adversary of both Arthur & Guinevere.Morgan le Fay – Arthur’s half sister; healer & shape-changer; an adversary of both Arthur & Guinevere.

Sir Kay –raised as Arthur’s step-brother.Sir Kay –raised as Arthur’s step-brother. Mordred – Arthur’s nephew; seized Guinevere & rebelled against Arthur; killed by Launcelot after the last battle.Mordred – Arthur’s nephew; seized Guinevere & rebelled against Arthur; killed by Launcelot after the last battle. Guinevere – Arthur’s wife; Lancelot’s lover.Guinevere – Arthur’s wife; Lancelot’s lover. Launcelot – Arthur’s chief knight & rival for Guinevere’s love.Launcelot – Arthur’s chief knight & rival for Guinevere’s love. The Lady of the Lake – gave Excalibur to Arthur.The Lady of the Lake – gave Excalibur to Arthur.

Camelot Copyright 1984 Alan Lee

IMPORTANT OBJECTS Excalibur – Arthur’s magical sword; given to him by The Lady of the Lake.Excalibur – Arthur’s magical sword; given to him by The Lady of the Lake. The Holy Grail – the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper; used by Joseph of Arimathea to catch Christ’s blood when he was on the cross.The Holy Grail – the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper; used by Joseph of Arimathea to catch Christ’s blood when he was on the cross. The Round Table – the table given as part of Guinevere’s dowry & used by Arthur and his knights. Each knight’s name was magically inscribed on the table. Everybody was equal.The Round Table – the table given as part of Guinevere’s dowry & used by Arthur and his knights. Each knight’s name was magically inscribed on the table. Everybody was equal.

Knights of the Round Table Sir GalahadSir Galahad Sir Launcelot du LacSir Launcelot du Lac Sir GawainSir Gawain Sir PercivaleSir Percivale Sir LionellSir Lionell Sir Tristram de LyonesSir Tristram de Lyones Sir GarethSir Gareth Sir BedivereSir Bedivere Sir BleoberisSir Bleoberis Sir La Cote Male TaileSir La Cote Male Taile Sir LucanSir Lucan Sir KaySir Kay Sir PalomedesSir Palomedes Sir LamorakSir Lamorak Sir Bors de GanisSir Bors de Ganis Sir SaferSir Safer Sir PelleasSir Pelleas Sir Ector de MarisSir Ector de Maris Sir DagonetSir Dagonet Sir DegoreSir Degore Sir Brunor le NoirSir Brunor le Noir Sir Le Bel DesconneuSir Le Bel Desconneu Sir AlymereSir Alymere Sir MordredSir Mordred

Chivalry knighthood & its code of honor Invincible strength ValorJusticeModesty Loyalty to superiors Courtesy to equals Compassion to weakness Devotedness to the church

Knights  Mounted warrior  Man of rank, or in service of a man of rank  Generally possesses some independent means of support, but relies on the gratitude of those he has served Knights-errant -- wandering knights who traveled the country in quest of adventure

Knight Training

AGE 7  Become a page Taken from home to the court or castleTaken from home to the court or castle Taught first articles of religion, respect, and reverence for their lordsTaught first articles of religion, respect, and reverence for their lords Initiated in ceremonies of the courtInitiated in ceremonies of the court Taught falconry, dancing, harp playing, hunting, fishing, wrestling, carving, tilting with spears, & performing military exercises on horsebackTaught falconry, dancing, harp playing, hunting, fishing, wrestling, carving, tilting with spears, & performing military exercises on horseback

AGE 14  Become a squire Taught to vault on a horse, to run, to scale walls, to spring over ditches – all in heavy armorTaught to vault on a horse, to run, to scale walls, to spring over ditches – all in heavy armor Taught to wrestle, to wield the battle-axe without raising the visorTaught to wrestle, to wield the battle-axe without raising the visor Taught to perform gracefully on horsebackTaught to perform gracefully on horseback Taught courtesyTaught courtesy Encouraged to bestow his attentions on a young lady of the courtEncouraged to bestow his attentions on a young lady of the court

AGE 21  Initiation to the Knighthood Preparation for the Ceremony: Fast and spend whole nights in prayerFast and spend whole nights in prayer Confession and communion & clothed in snow-white garmentConfession and communion & clothed in snow-white garment Go to church or hall where the ceremony is to be heldGo to church or hall where the ceremony is to be held Wear a knightly sword suspended from neckWear a knightly sword suspended from neck

Ceremony Officiating priest takes the sword, blesses it, and returns itOfficiating priest takes the sword, blesses it, and returns it Candidate folds arms, kneels before presiding knight and answers questions about motives for becoming a knightCandidate folds arms, kneels before presiding knight and answers questions about motives for becoming a knight Takes an oathTakes an oath Receives armor and swordReceives armor and sword Kneels before presiding knight who administers the accolade (3 strokes of a flat sword on the neck or shoulder) and says, “In the name of God, of St. Michael, and of St. George, I make thee a knight; be valiant, courteous, and loyal.”Kneels before presiding knight who administers the accolade (3 strokes of a flat sword on the neck or shoulder) and says, “In the name of God, of St. Michael, and of St. George, I make thee a knight; be valiant, courteous, and loyal.” Receives helmet, shield, and spearReceives helmet, shield, and spear

The emblem of the Knights of the Round Table worn round the necks of all the Knights was given to them by King Arthur as part of the ceremony of their being made a knight. The Order's dominant idea was the love of God, people, and noble deeds. The cross in the emblem was to remind them that they were to live pure and stainless lives, to strive after perfection and thus attain the Holy Grail. The Red Dragon of King Arthur represented their allegiance to the King. The Round Table was illustrative of the Eternity of God, the equality, unity, and comradeship of the Order, and singleness of purpose of all the Knights.

RULES/CODES for KNIGHTS Never murder in cold bloodNever murder in cold blood Never betray the king or countryNever betray the king or country Never be cruel but be mercifulNever be cruel but be merciful Never surrenderNever surrender Never become attached to worldly goodsNever become attached to worldly goods Never lieNever lie Never lay down your weaponNever lay down your weapon Always seek after wondersAlways seek after wonders Always seek honor firstAlways seek honor first Always give aidAlways give aid Always honor GodAlways honor God Always defend the weakAlways defend the weak