The Legend of King Arthur

1. The Legend of King Arthur

2. Legends • A legend is a story about extraordinary deeds that has been told and retold for generations among a group of people. • What stories that we have studied are legends? • What local legends do we have? • How do urban legends fit into this category? • What is the difference between a legend and a myth?

3. Legends v. Myths • A legend is a story about extraordinary deeds that has been told and retold for generations among a group of people. • A myth is a traditional story that is rooted in a particular culture, is basically religious, and usually serves to explain a belief, a ritual, or a mysterious natural phenomenon.

4. Origins of King Arthur • Questionable Origins • Many historians believe: • Real figure in history named Riothamus, who may have been called Arturius • Existed in post-Roman Britain in 5th century AD

5. Legend of King Arthur • Centers around three aspects: • The fellowship of the knights of the round table • The quests for the Holy Grail (the Sangreal) • The Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot love triangle

6. Legend of King Arthur and the Knights of The Round Table • Anachronistic – Medieval knights existed in 12th-15th centuries. Arthur was known to “exist” in the 5th century. • Merlin, the wizard, created the round table to symbolize the roundness of the universe for Uther Pendragon, Arthur’s father. When Uther died, it passed to King Laudergraunce, Guinevere’s father, and then passed to Arthur through marriage.

7. Legend of King Arthur and the Knights of The Round Table • Importance of The Round Table: • Showed equal importance of each knight • Represented the highest Order of Chivalry at King Arthur’s Court • Symbolized the highest esteemed position in Britain • Knight of the Round Table were recognized as following a strict code of honor and respect

8. The Sangreal • Appearances in many sources: • “Le Conte del Graal” or “Perceval” by Chretien de Troyes c.1180-1240 • “Joseph d’Arimathea” and “Perceval” by Robert de Boron c.1200 • “Parzival” by Wolfram von Eschenbach c. 1205-1215 • “Le Morte d’Arthur” by Sir Thomas Malory 1485

9. The Sangreal • Holy Grail from the Last Supper • The Grail quest represented a heroic and mystic adventure by the Knights of the Round Table • Achieved by Sir Bohs, Sir Percival and Sir Galahad in Arthurian legends

10. Sir Lancelot • 1st and greatest of King Arthur’s knights • Lancelot of the Lake – Lancelot du Lac • His love for Queen Guinevere brings the destruction of King Arthur’s realm • Adventures: • Rescue of Queen Guinevere from Meleagant • Failed quest for the Holy Grail • Another rescue of Queen Guinevere from burning at the stake

11. Merlin • Original concept of Merlin comes from a Welsh figure, Myrddin, who lived as a wild man in the Caledonian forest in 6th century. • Origins also cross Scottish paths and can be combined with stories of Ambrosius.

12. Merlin • Some Arthurian legends center around Merlin, “Prose Merlin” mid 15th century. • Thomas Malory’s “Morte d’Arthur” (late 15th century) mentions Merlin in the beginning and then fades to Arthur throughout the rest.

13. “The Sword in the Stone” • What do you already know about this story? • At what point in Arthur’s life does this take place? • Which famous recount of King Arthur has this story been taken from?

14. As you read (p 755)… • Create a timeline of events. • Keep a definition of “hero” in your minds. • Think of how this story keeps with the concept of a “legend.”

15. After you read… • Check your timeline. • What characteristics make this story a legend and not a myth? • Define the term hero. • Compare the ancient hero to the modern hero. • What similarities or differences are present? • What may have caused the change? • How does historical events alter our perception of heroes?

16. Now… • Write a brief, three to five paragraph, comparing and/or contrasting King Arthur to a modern (real or fiction) hero. Be sure to use specific details to prove your point within your essay.