The Legend of King Arthur

1. The Legend of King Arthur

2. Who was King Arthur? • There is great debate over who he was • Possibly a king, a prince, or a renowned soldier • May have been son of Uther • Existed 450-550 A.D. • Led battle of Mount Badon, defeating the Saxons

3. King Arthur of Legend • Biological son of Uther and Igraine • Raised by Sir Ector with foster brother Kay

4. King Arthur of Legend • Proven heir to throne when he pulls the Excalibur from a stone • Educated and advised by Merlyn the Wizard • Presided over the Knights of the Round Table • Won respect and loyalty of all of knights • Married to Guinevere

5. King Arthur of Legend • Reigned over 20 years of peace • Son/Nephew Mordred against his reign • Mordred died; Arthur mortally wounded • Arthur died and was buried in Glastonbury Abbey • Some said he would return to avenge his death and reign again

6. King Arthur – the Literary Tradition • First mentioned in 800 A.D. in chronicle by Nennius • Arthur fought Saxons in 12 battles • Arthur killed 960 Saxons single-handed

7. King Arthur – the Literary Tradition Popularized and romanticized by medieval writers including: • Geoffrey of Monmouth: History of the Kings of Britain (12th century) • Chretien de Troyes: Erec & Ened, Yvain, Lancelot, Count of the Grail (12th century) • Sir Thomas Malory: Le Morte d’Arthur (15th century)

8. King Arthur – the Literary Tradition • Medieval authors used some elements of Celtic mythology and fantasy • Included medieval concepts such as knighthood and chivalry • Portrayed Arthur as a king, rather than as an active warrior • Wrote for an aristocratic, upper class audience

9. King Arthur – the Literary Tradition • Post-Medieval Writers: • Lord Tennyson – Idylls of the King • T.H. White – Once and Future King (1939) • Sword in the Stone is 1 of 5 books • Marian Zimmer Bradley – The Mists of Avalon

10. Knighthood • 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”

11. The Code of 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

12. Camelot • King Arthur’s castle • Meeting place of the Knights of the Round Table • The seat of King Arthur’s power • Constructed by Merlyn • Embodies ideals of knighthood

13. Merlyn • Son of an incubus (an evil spirit) and virtuous mother • Sent as a sacrifice for King Vortigern • Merlyn saw that there were two fighting dragons under the foundation: • the white dragon represented the Britons • the red dragon represented the Saxons • Dragons fight and the white one wins • Merlyn predicted that Vortigern would be slain

14. Merlyn • Has magical powers: • Insight into the future • Power of transformation • Advisor to Kings Pendragon, Uther, and Arthur • Responsible for Arthur’s education • Is eventually entrapped by Viviane, an enchantress • Sends Arthur’s knight on the Quest of the Holy Grail

15. Morgan Le Fey • Called Queen of the fairies, an enchantress, and sorceress • Said to be Arthur’s half-sister • Is a constant tormentor to Arthur • Has magical powers similar to Merlyn

16. The Arthurian Legend - Summary • Is loosely based on a real historical figure • Is not historically accurate • Has roots in Celtic mythology • Include elements of fantasy and magic • Include medieval ideals and institutions such as knighthood and chivalry • The themes are still seen today