Challenge IIChallenge II

1. Who are the most important characters/connections/conflicts in the Arthurian Legends?

2. What are the main themes/ideas/values in the Arthurian Legends? Hint: think chivalry!

1-What values does Arthur seem to represent? How does he use his power? How does he treat other people?

Twelve basic rules of the Knights of the Round Table were: To never lay down arms To seek after wonders When called upon, to defend the rights of the weak with all one's strength To injure no one Not to attack one another To fight for the safety of one's country To give one's life for one's country To seek nothing before honor Never to break faith for any reason To practice religion most diligently To grant hospitality to anyone, each according to his ability Whether in honor or disgrace, to make a report with the greatest fidelity to

truth to those who keep the annals

2-What is chivalry? Is chivalry important today?

Live to serve King and Country. Live to defend Crown and Country and all it

holds dear. Live one's life so that it is worthy of respect

and honor. Live for freedom, justice and all that is good. Never attack an unarmed foe. Never use a weapon on an opponent not

equal to the attack. Never attack from behind. Avoid lying to your fellow man. Avoid cheating. Avoid torture. Obey the law of king, country, and chivalry. Administer justice. Protect the innocent. Exhibit self control. Show respect to authority. Respect women. Exhibit Courage in word and deed. Defend the weak and innocent. Destroy evil in all of its monstrous forms.

Crush the monsters that steal our land and rob our people. Fight with honor. Avenge the wronged. Never abandon a friend, ally, or noble cause. Fight for the ideals of king, country, and chivalry. Die with valor. Always keep one's word of honor. Always maintain one's principles. Never betray a confidence or comrade. Avoid deception. Respect life and freedom. Die with honor. Exhibit manners. Be polite and attentive. Be respectful of host, women, and honor. Loyalty to country, King, honor, freedom, and the code of chivalry. Loyalty to one's friends and those who lay their

trust in thee.

chiv·al·ry  (sh v l-r ) n. pl. chiv·al·ries 1. The medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood.2. The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women.

3-Connections and ConflictsHow are these characters connected with each other?

Connections Conflicts

Guinevere/Lancelot They are lovers They both love Arthur and do not want to hurt him

Morgan Le Fay/Mordred They are mother and son and both

want Arthur’s kingdom

none

Lancelot/Arthur They are good friends Lancelot betrays Arthur with Guinevere

Arthur/Morgan Le Fay They are brother and sister and Mordred’s parents

They both want the kingdom

Guinevere/Arthur They are husband and wife

Guinevere loves two men

Arthur/Mordred They are father and son Both of them want the kingdom

4 What are the main themes, or main ideas in the Arthurian Legends?

Chivalry  (Knighthood)

Equality  (the Round Table)

Search for Self/Identity

(Quests/Hunts)

Faith in God the Highest

Spiritual Pursuit (the Holy Grail)

Loyalty  (the knights

loyalty to King Arthur)

Birthright/Nobility  (the Sword

in the Stone)  

Love and Romance