Arthurian Legend

1. Arthurian Legend

2. Legend • A story about extraordinary deeds that have been told and retold for generations • Often about a particular person with a historical basis but may also contain some elements of magic and myth

3. Arthurian Legend • The King Arthur legends are probably based on a fifth or sixth century Celtic chieftain (warlord) who lived in Whales (England) and led his people to victory against Saxon invaders from northern Germany. • The chieftain was said to have been fatally wounded in battle and buried in an abbey of Glastonbury. • Arthurian legend as we know it today emerged as a great chief who mysteriously disappeared but promised to return when his people needed him.

4. King Arthur • Legendary heroes like King Arthur are born in dangerous times when heroes are most needed • Literary heroes -- …

5. King Arthur • King Uther of England, who was unmarried, loved Igraire, another man’s wife. • In disguise the king deceived Igraire into thinking he was her husband. • Arthur was the child born to Igraire as a result of that trick. • Merlin, a very wise advisor, knew the child was in danger because many men wanted Uther’s throne, so he asked Sir Ector and his wife to raise the infant with their own son, Kay. • When King Uther died, no one except Merlin knew Arthur’s true identity, which would later be revealed when Arthur completed a task that only the rightful king could perform.

6. The Literature of Romance • During the Middle Ages a new form of literature called romance developed in France and spread throughout Europe. • Romances got their name because they were first told in Old French and Provencal which are considered to be romantic languages. • Romances began in the 12th century as popular narratives describing the adventures of knights and heroes.

7. The Literature of Romance • The primary purpose of romances was to celebrate the ideals of chivalry, the code of behavior the medieval knight was supposed to follow. He was to be: • Brave • Loyal • Pious – spiritual; devout • Generous to foes • Ready to help the weak • Protect women • The knight sought quests to prove his courage. • The knightly quests typically involved saving maidens, slaying dragons, and battling less noble people. • Adventure was the cause; heroism was the role.

8. Sir Launcelot • Of the 150 knights who serve King Arthur, Sir Launcelot is Arthur’s favorite. • Although Launcelot is devoted to Arthur, he falls in love with Arthur’s wife, Queen Gwynevere, causing great suffering for the trio.