1. The Once and Future King: An Introduction to Arthurian Legends, Chivalry, and Archetypes

2. What’s a legend?
Imaginative tale believed to have some grain of truth, some historical basis
Passed orally from generation to generation; may change over time
Reveals the values and lifestyles of culture

3. Arthurian Legends Take place in Great Britain
Fictional legends with many different versions of the life of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, Sir Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table
Sir Thomas Malory brought together first collection in the 1400s, called Le Morte d’Arthur
Malory both compiled the legendary tales and from middle English and French and added new stories

4. The Real King Arthur Great debate over who he was
Possibly a king, a prince, or a renowned soldier
Existed A.D.
Known as a great general; led battle of Mount Badon, defeating the Saxons

5. Characteristics of Arthurian Legends
Legends changed over time, incorporating new cultural values
Legends vary in format, length, and genre (including poetry, novels, movies, and musicals)
Writers from several nations and time periods helped create them (and the stories are still being recreated)

6. Motifs of Arthurian Legends
The king and land are one
Might for right, not might for might
Justice
Love, friendship, and betrayal
Appearance vs. reality
Redemption and forgiveness

7. 3 Classes of Medieval Society
Nobility
Clergy
Commoners

8. Page, Squire, Knight Age 7: Page Age 14: Squire Age 18-21: Knight
Servant in a household
Learns weaponry, courtesy, religion, etc.
Age 14: Squire
Personal aide to a knight
Age 18-21: Knight
If he can master the skills, he is then knighted

9. Knight Historically, knights were warriors and defenders
Dressed in full armor
Competed in tournaments and jousts to show their warrior skills
In knighting ceremony, vows to “be valiant, courteous, and loyal”

10. Chivalry A Good Knight: Uses his strength for good
Strives to be honorable and virtuous
Protects the weak
Is courteous
Respects and defends women
Is a defender of the Christian church
Is inspired to greatness by love

11. Romantic Hero hero of medieval romance
fulfills ideals of glory, nobility, justice, adventure, and loyalty