2. Arthurian Legends Ms. Geller’s 10 th Grade World Literature Adapted from a presentation by Juliette Evans

3. What Is a Legend? Like myths, legends tell traditional stories about the distant past Myths center on the religious or supernatural; attempt to explain life’s mysteries Legends are historically based, although they may contain exaggerated, magical, or supernatural elements

4. Arthurian Legends Take place in Great Britain Legends about King Arthur’s life with many different versions Passed down orally in both England and France Sir Thomas Malory brought together first collection in the 15 th century The “real” Arthur may have lived in the 6 th century No one knows for sure

5. Camelot

6. Holy Grail In Christian mythology the cup used by Jesus during the last supper. In Arthurian legends the hero must prove himself worthy to be in its presence

7. Siege Perilous Specially reserved seat at the Round Table for the knight who was destined to quest for and return with the Holy Grail Sir Galahad- only knight who sits in it. Fatal to anyone else who sat in it.

8. Round Table Mystical Table in Camelot Symbol of Unity Given to Arthur by King Lodegreaunce (Guinevere's Father)

9. Excalibur King Arthur's mythical sword Sword in the stone only drawn by real king.

10. Chivalry Ideas associated with medieval knighthood Examples –Honor –Courtly love –Bravery –Loyalty to King

11. Page, Squire, Knight Age 7-Page –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

12. King Arthur Son of Uther Pendragon + Igraine Raised by Sir Ector Drew the sword in the stone Married to Guinevere

13. Sir Lancelot Greatest of King Arthur’s Knights One of the most trusted Has an affair with Guinevere

14. Sir Galahad Son of Lancelot + Elaine Seat was siege perilous Quest for the Holy Grail

15. Sir Kay Arthur and Kay raised by Sir Ector Kay was Arthur’s foster brother Tries to claim sword in the stone

16. Sir Gawain King Arthur’s nephew Defender of the poor Ladies man

17. Sir Mordred Illegitimate son of Arthur Traitor Takes over Kingdom while Arthur is away

18. Merlin Wizard in Arthurian legends King’s Advisor Mistress is Morgan Le Fay

19. 3 Classes of Medieval Society NobilityCommonersClergy

20. Literary Terms to Know Symbol: An image or object intended to represent something else (Round Table=unity; dove=peace, etc.) Characters: The people in a work of literature –Protagonist: Main character –Antagonist: Character or force that opposes the main character Setting: Time and place Imagery: Language that appeals to the senses

21. More Literary Terms Mood: The emotional atmosphere of a work of literature Tone: The author’s attitude toward the subject; often conveyed through word choice and writing style Theme: The central message in a work of literature; the “BIG IDEA.” It’s what the author is trying to show us about human nature, the way the world works, and/or life in general.