Medieval Times1066 to 1485

Hardships/Changes occurring during Medieval Times

Plagues

Lack of sanitation and spread of disease

Political battles

Civil unrest

Crusades

Spread of Christianity to all Pagans

Legend vs Myth

A legend can be distinguished from a myth based on 6 main characteristics

A Legend….1. is a tale based on history passed down through

the oral tradition or written manuscript2. has more historical truth 3. has fewer supernatural elements4. celebrates the heroic qualities of a national or

cultural leader5. expresses the spirit, values, and character of a

nation6. is considered inherently true; whereas, a myth is

considered inherently false

What do you know about King Arthur?

K W L

The Code of ChivalryGentlemanly and heroic behavior Combination of Christian and military ideals

Valor and BraveryModesty and HonorLoyalty and Love of GodCourtesy and Justice

Knights of the Round TableBrotherhood of soldiersOf noble birth, but no longer wealthy Survived by working for the noblesAttempted to live up to the Code of Chivalry

The Legend of King Arthur

One of the most popular and enduring legends of Western culture

But, a real person named Arthur did not exist

Who is King Arthur?King Arthur is known as:

The King who combined all British tribes into one kingdomThe King who defended the British from invading Anglo-Saxon armiesAn amazing politician who used the Round Table as a way to prevent jealousy amongst his knightsThe “Arthur” character most likely based on one or more influential and successful Celtic military leaders

Characteristics of anEpic Romance

A hero

A quest

A perilous journey

An enchantment

A disguise

The triumph of good over evil

The HeroMust be of noble birth or high social position

Must reflect values important to his society

Must often battle supernatural forces

His actions consist of courageous, even superhuman deeds

The Quest

An expedition to achieve a specified goal

For the Knights of the Round table, their ultimate quest was to locate the Holy Grail

The Perilous JourneyConsists of dangerous obstacles and adventures that occur while on a quest, but not related to the ultimate goal

Epic romances usually follow characters through most of their lives as they quest for the goal

An Enchantment

Usually a magical spell of some sort

Acts as evidence of the supernatural involved in the legend

The Disguise

Sometimes a literal reference to someone hiding his/her identity through either normal means or magical means

Can refer to the hidden agenda/purpose of a character in a tale

Good vs Evil

Ageless theme permeating the Arthurian Legend and much literature from around the world

The audience expects the final outcome to be the triumph of Good over Evil