Arthur, Launcelot and Sigurd: Legend, Romance, and Norse Mythology

Legend—a story about extraordinary deeds that has been told and retold for generations among a group of people. Historical basis mixed with elements of magic and myth Used to highlight details of that particular society’s culture and belief system Also used to illustrate aspects of character either admired or looked down upon by that society Legend

Arthurian Legend Arthur as legendary hero: born into dangerous times Son of Uther Pendragon and Igraine Arthur in danger from the men who wanted to take England’s throne from Uther Merlin gave the baby Arthur to Sir Ector and his wife to be raised with their son Kay When Uther died, Arthur remained in obscurity for his own protection until he could complete a task that would prove that only he is the rightful heir. Arthurian Legend

Character Traits and Cultural Aspects Even though Arthur is just a boy in these excerpts, his actions exemplify many admirable qualities: After finding the lodge locked with Kay’s sword inside, Arthur went on to St. Paul’s to get Kay a different sword. This action shows Arthur to be Kind-hearted Compassionate Persevering Quick-thinking Character Traits and Cultural Aspects

Character Traits and Cultural Aspects Even after Kay lies and tells his father that he had been the one to pull the sword from the stone, Arthur does not correct him; however, when told to reinsert the sword, he agrees and then pulls it back out again. In contrast to Kay (a character foil), Arthur is: Humble Honest Obedient Character Traits and Cultural Aspects

Plot Elements and Cultural Aspects A sword was a symbol of leadership. Kings had to be able to lead their people into battle and defend them from attack. The sword represents a king’s ability to fulfill his military duties. The nobles did not readily accept Arthur as their king because of his youth and ignoble birth. They wanted someone of their own class Arthur is crowned when the commoners demand that he be made king despite his supposedly low status and the wishes of the other nobles. Plot Elements and Cultural Aspects

Analysis of Cultural Aspects “The Sword and the Stone” illustrates to the reader that the people of the 1400’s Wanted their kings to have heroic qualities such as those of Arthur’s Were strictly divided into two classes: the upper (the nobility) and the lower (everyone else, except for the clergy) Were not free to move out of their born station in life Wanted the balance of power redressed so that they could have some say in the governing of their lives and country Analysis of Cultural Aspects

Romance—a verse narrative about the adventures of a hero who undertakes a quest for a high ideal Developed in France during the Middle Ages and spread across Europe First told in Old French and Provencal— romance languages derived from Latin Gathered by wandering story tellers and recited from town to town Were taken over by the upper class in the 14th century Progressed to written, polished and professional stories Romance

The primary purpose of a romance was to celebrate the ideals of chivalry The code of behavior the medieval knight was supposed to follow and exemplify such character traits as Bravery Honor Loyalty Piety Generosity to foes Readiness to help the weak Protection of women Romance

Romance A typical Romance includes Adventure Quests Wicked adversaries Magic Arthurian stories often included Violence Betrayals Romantic intrigues Comedy Romance

To prove his courage, the hero of a romance often sought out a knightly quest Saving maidens Slaying dragons Battling less noble persons Using physical strength and prowess with weapons The Romance Knight

Launcelot—the Romance Hero Launcelot’s actions show him to be the epitome of a Romance hero: He has compassion for the wounded knight. He is courteous and respectful to the lady. He gives the King the opportunity to win on his own before he joins the fight. In battle, he is the strongest and most skillful knight on the field. Launcelot—the Romance Hero

Launcelot—the Romance Hero Launcelot’s actions show him to be the epitome of a Romance hero: He leaves Camelot because he is bored with court life. He refuses to choose one of the queens as his paramour and is willing to fight for Queen Gwynevere’s honor. He tells King Bagdemagus’s daughter that he will champion her father at the next tournament. Launcelot—the Romance Hero

“Launcelot”—A Typical Romance “Launcelot” illustrates many of the elements of a Romance: Launcelot leaves court to seek a knightly quest. He has an encounter with magic. He outsmarts Morgan le Faye with the aid of a helper. There is fighting with weapons where the strongest and most noble knight wins. There are loyal knights, a good king, and a noble lady “Launcelot”—A Typical Romance

Analysis of Cultural Aspects What Medieval Culture Valued in Their Heroes: Loyalty Physical Strength Prowess at Arms Keeping One’s Word Protection and Defense of the Innocent Analysis of Cultural Aspects

Myth—a traditional story that is basically religious in nature and explains a belief, a ritual, or a mysterious natural phenomenon. In almost all cultures there are myths to explain why the seasons change, how humankind learned to make fire, and why humans have to die. Many myths have dragons and other monsters as characters along with the mythical hero. What movies or stories are you familiar with that feature dragons or monsters? Myth

Norse Myths consist of stories that were told in Scandinavia and Germany for thousands of years and include: great hero tales called sagas the prophecy of a day of doom when the entire world will be consumed by fire and all life and all gods will end a new world that will come after this Ragnarok Norse Myth

the constant struggle, on both the Earth and Asgard (home to the gods and slain heroes) between good and evil light and darkness as symbols of good and evil because Scandinavia endures long, dark winters and very few hours of daylight courageous human heroes who love life and have much to endure but accept each test readily rare happy endings Norse Myth

Norse Myth, Archetypes, and “Sigurd” Sigurd may be the archetypal dragon slayer—the model of the hero that descends to the underworld to kill the monster. Sigurd is described as “golden”, “bright”, and shining like the sun Regin, the evil dwarf, is “dark” and secretive. Both represent the symbols of good and evil in the Norse culture. Norse Myth, Archetypes, and “Sigurd”

Norse Myth, Archetypes, and “Sigurd” The god Odin comes to earth to help the hero Sigurd begin his quest. The theme of divine or magical assistance to the hero is an archetype that appears in myths around the world. Norse Myth, Archetypes, and “Sigurd”

Norse Myth, Archetypes, and “Sigurd” Sigurd’s sword is described as having “dark” edges that were “sharpened fine as hair” carved with magic symbols jeweled at the hilt stirring in his grip when he picked it up The sword endowed with magical powers given to the hero by the gods is an archetypal pattern in heroic myths. Norse Myth, Archetypes, and “Sigurd”

Norse Myth, Archetypes, and “Sigurd” “The depths of Fafnir’s track” is described as “dark as the grave”. This simile suggests that Sigurd has descended into a dark underworld in order to pursue his quest. Another archetypal pattern found in world literature. Norse Myth, Archetypes, and “Sigurd”

Norse Myth and “Sigurd” Sigurd is a hero who is favored by the gods. Odin gives Grayfell, the strongest horse of all, to him. Based on that information, the reader knows that Norse people valued Strength Daring Grace Courage in their heroes. Norse Myth and “Sigurd”

Norse Myth and “Sigurd” Magic is an essential element in Norse sagas. Included in “Sigurd” are: A dragon A dragon’s heart’s magical qualities A curse on the gold Sigmund’s sword Talking birds Norse Myth and “Sigurd”

Sigurd—Norse Mythical Hero Sigurd is the son of Sigmund who is the great-grandson of the god Odin. Mythical heroes are often the offspring of great heroes. The hero’s quest is presented as his destiny, a great objective that no one can prevent him from pursuing. Sigurd—Norse Mythical Hero

Sigurd—Norse Mythical Hero Sigurd reveals traits of a hero as the moment of his great trial approaches: He laughs, makes a joke about the possibility of his death, and sleeps soundly. He reveals he is fearless and relaxed as he faces his quest and his destiny. Sigurd—Norse Mythical Hero

Sigurd—Norse Mythical Hero At the end of his quest, Sigurd acquires something greater than treasure— knowledge. The knowledge is obtained from eating a bit of the fat from the dragon’s heart. Sigurd learns about the powers of good and evil. He now sees the depth of Regin’s cunning, evil and greed and realizes that Regin had planned to kill him all along. Sigurd understands the distinction between humans and monsters: humans have a conscience, but monsters do not. Sigurd—Norse Mythical Hero