Arthurian Legends

Arthurian LegendsAn Introduction for Mind-mapping

Legend: A definitionImaginative tale believed to have some historical basisPassed from generation to generation; may change over timeReveals values and lifestyles of culture

Arthurian LegendsTake place in Great Britain Fictional Legends with many different versionsSir Thomas Malory brought together first collection12th and 13th original written version

The Real King ArthurThere is great debate over who he wasPossibly a king, a prince, or a renowned soldierMay have been son of UtherExisted 450-550 A.D. Led battle of Mount Badon, defeating the Saxons

Characteristics of Arthurian Legends, cont. Probably based on Celtic battle hero from 6th century

Changed over time, incorporating new cultural values

Vary in format, length, and genre (including movies and musicals)

Writers from several nations and time periods helped create them (still being recreated)

Motifs of Arthurian LegendsThe king and land are one

Might for right, not might for might

Justice

Love, Friendship, and Betrayal

Appearance vs. Reality

Redemption and Forgiveness

3 Classes of Medieval SocietyNobilityCommoners

Clergy

Page, Squire, KnightAge 7-PageServant in a householdLearns weaponry, courtesy, religion, etc.Age 14- SquirePersonal aide to a knight Age 18-21- KnightIf he can master the skills he is then knighted

KnightHistorically, knights were warriors and defendersDressed in full armorCompeted in tournaments and jousts to show their warrior skillsIn knighting ceremony, vows to be valiant, courteous, and loyal

ChivalryA Good Knight:Uses his strength for goodStrives to be honorable and virtuousProtects the weakIs courteousRespects and defends womenIs a defender of the Christian churchIs inspired to greatness by love

Romantic Herohero of medieval romance

fulfills ideals of glory, nobility, justice, adventure, and loyaltyImportant Characters: King ArthurSon of King Uther Pendragon + IgraineRaised by Sir EctorDrew the sword in the stoneMarried to Guinevere Known as Wart when a boy; did not know of noble lineage

King Arthur, cont. Reigned over 20 years of peaceSon/Nephew Mordred against his reignMordred died; Arthur mortally woundedArthur died and was buried in Glastonbury AbbeySome said he would return to avenge his death and reign again

Important Characters: Sir KayArthur and Kay raised by Sir Ector

Kay was Arthurs foster brother

Tries to claim sword in the stone

Important Characters: Morgan Le FeyCalled Queen of the fairies, an enchantress, and sorceressSaid to be Arthurs half-sisterIs a constant tormentor to ArthurHas magical powers similar to Merlyn

Important Characters: MerlinWizard in Arthurian legendsKings AdvisorRepresents magic and wisdom of legends (pagan religions)

Important Symbols: CamelotArthurs Castle

Embodies ideals of knighthoodMeeting place of the Knights of the Round TableImportant Symbols: Round TableMystical Table in CamelotGiven to Arthur by King Lodegreaunce (Guinevere's Father)Table where Arthurs knights meetSymbolized equal status among knights

Important Symbols: ExcaliburKing Arthur's mythical sword

Sword in the stone only drawn by real king.

Arthurian Legend: A SummaryIs loosely based on a real historical figureIs not historically accurateHas roots in Celtic mythologyInclude elements of fantasy and magicInclude medieval ideals and institutions such as knighthood and chivalry The themes are still seen today

Alternate Assignment for Arthurian Legends ExpertsResearch and then create a mind-map for the Knights of the Round TableResearch and then create a mind-map for all the different variations (written, film, drama) of the Arthurian LegendResearch and then create a mind-map on the women of Arthurian LegendResearch and then create a mind-map for T.H. White