1. (Use outline notes to accompany this presentation.)
ARTHURIAN LEGEND
Background information for a unit of study pertaining to the Arthurian legend
(Use outline notes to accompany this presentation.)
10th grade English
Mrs. Duke
Spring 2005
Edited and Expanded by C. Barbour

2. THE LEGEND OF KING ARTHUR
Set in Great Britain in the Middle Ages (Medieval) 7th and 8th century
Code of Chivalry
Christianity
Has been altered and passed down by many groups….

3. The Legend of King Arthur—have you seen any of these?
The Sword in the Stone
Excalibur
First Knight
Monty Python: The Search for the Holy Grail
The Mists of Avalon
Indiana Jones and the Quest for the Holy Grail

4. Arthur Illegitimate son of Uther Pendragon and Igraine of Cornwall
Foster child of Sir Ector
Tutored in secret by Merlin

5. ARTHUR
Won the throne of Britain by pulling a sword from a stone

6. Did Arthur really exist?
No definitive evidence of Camelot or the Round Table
Certain kings claimed to be descendents of Arthur
Hmmm……this might be a good idea for a project……

7. THE ROUND TABLE 3 versions of the legend to describe its origin:
1) Dowry given by Guinevere’s dad
2) built at Arthur’s request to insure equal seating
3) Merlin built it as a gift

8. THE ROUND TABLE Round shape symbolized equality “First Among Equals”
Originally seated 13, later 150
13 seats signified the 12 apostles and Christ

9. Seats were magically inscribed with nameplates:
THE ROUND TABLE
Seats were magically inscribed with nameplates:
“THIS IS THE SEAT OF….”

10. Siege Perilous
The 13th seat at the Round Table where only the Grail hero could sit without dying
Merlin named it
Reserved for the Knight who found the Grail and was of pure heart

11. CAMELOT Legendary capital of Arthur’s kingdom
Can’t really place it on a modern map – maybe Tintagil Castle?
Sometimes referred to as “The Golden City”
Legend says Merlin built it in one night

12. Camelot Represents an ideal place
Term used to describe the Kennedy years in US History

13. Avalon The island to which Arthur was taken as he lie dying
Saxons believed Arthur would return from Avalon in England’s hour of need
No proof, but often identified with Glastonbury in England

14. Arthur asking Merlin for advice
Arthur’s advisor, prophet, and magician
Tutored Arthur as a child
Had supernatural powers
Was locked in a cave by Nimue (Lady of the Lake)
Arthur asking Merlin for advice

15. Taken from Idylls of a King
Guinevere
Arthur’s wife
Had an affair with Lancelot
2 theories about what happened to her after Arthur’s death:
Retired to a nunnery
Abducted by Mordred
Taken from Idylls of a King

17. Lady of the Lake Nimue (or Vivienne?)
Supernatural figure with magical powers she learned from Merlin
lives in an underwater kingdom
Gave Excalibur to Arthur

19. How Arthur got Excalibur

20. How Arthur Got Excalibur

22. Morgan Le Fay Arthur’s half-sister (Igraine’s daughter)
Often Arthur’s adversary
stole Excalibur
Mordred’s mother
or is it Morgawse? (with Arthur)

23. The Holy Grail
Christ gave it to Joseph of Arimathea when he was imprisoned by the Jews
The cup (chalis) used at the Last Supper
Then used to catch the blood of Christ as it dripped off the crucifix
Pursued by the Knights of the Round Table seeking immortality

24. Lancelot Most popular Arthur’s favorite Best swordsman
Taught to fight by Nimue
Could not see the Grail because of his adultery

25. Gareth Accidentally blinded by Lancelot
Sets the stage for Mordred’s takeover

26. Gawain Arthur’s nephew Famous story about him
“Gawain and The Green Knight”

27. Perceval The main Grail knight He found the Holy Grail
Later disappeared; believed to be taken in by a ship with a red/white cross

28. Bedivere
The only knight who survived the battle between Mordred and Arthur
Cast Excalibur into the pool after Arthur’s mortal wounding

29. Kay Arthur’s foster brother Seneschal for Arthur
One of the first knights to join the table

30. The Knights of the Round Table

31. Webster’s Dictionary:
CHIVALRY
Webster’s Dictionary:
Gallantry, courtesy and honor.
The noble qualities a knight was supposed to have, such as courage and a readiness to help the weak.
The demonstration of any of these qualities.

32. CODE OF CHIVALRY A handbook of good conduct
Self-imposed standards with the realization that setting a good example sends a message which is far more powerful than anything else one can do.

33. The Ten Commandments of the Code of Chivalry
From Chivalry by Leon Gautier
Thou shalt believe all that the Church teaches, and shalt observe all its directions.
Thou shalt defend the Church.
Thou shalt repect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them.
Thou shalt love the country in which thou wast born.
Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy.
Thou shalt make war against the Infidel without cessation, and without mercy.
Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God.
Thou shalt never lie, and shall remain faithful to thy pledged word.
Thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone.
Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil.

34. CHIVALRY
The choice to do the right things, for the right reasons, at the right times.