Arthurian Legends

Ms. Geller’s 10th Grade World LiteratureAdapted from a presentation by Juliette Evans

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

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 15th century• The “real” Arthur may have lived in the 6th

century

• No one knows for sure

Camelot

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

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.

Round Table

• Mystical Table in Camelot

• Symbol of Unity

• Given to Arthur by King Lodegreaunce (Guinevere's Father)

Excalibur

• King Arthur's mythical sword

• Sword in the stone only drawn by real king.

Chivalry

• Ideas associated with medieval knighthood

• Examples– Honor– Courtly love– Bravery– Loyalty to King

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

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

Sir Lancelot

• Greatest of King Arthur’s Knights

• One of the most trusted

• Has an affair with Guinevere

Sir Galahad

• Son of Lancelot + Elaine

• Seat was siege perilous

• Quest for the Holy Grail

Sir Kay

• Arthur and Kay raised by Sir Ector

• Kay was Arthur’s foster brother

• Tries to claim sword in the stone

Sir Gawain

• King Arthur’s nephew

• Defender of the poor

• Ladies man

Sir Mordred

• Illegitimate son of Arthur

• Traitor

• Takes over Kingdom while Arthur is away

Merlin

• Wizard in Arthurian legends

• King’s Advisor

• Mistress is Morgan Le Fay

3 Classes of Medieval Society

• Nobility • Commoners

• Clergy

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

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.