2. Arthurian Legends An Introduction for Mind-mapping

3. Legend: A definition –Imaginative tale believed to have some historical basis –Passed from generation to generation; may change over time –Reveals values and lifestyles of culture

4. Arthurian Legends Take place in Great Britain Fictional Legends with many different versions Sir Thomas Malory brought together first collection 12 th and 13 th original written version

5. The Real King Arthur There is great debate over who he was Possibly a king, a prince, or a renowned soldier May have been son of Uther Existed 450-550 A.D. Led battle of Mount Badon, defeating the Saxons

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

7. Motifs of Arthurian Legends The king and land are one Might for right, not might for might Justice Love, Friendship, and Betrayal Appearance vs. Reality Redemption and Forgiveness

8. 3 Classes of Medieval Society NobilityCommonersClergy

9. 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

10. Knight Historically, knights were warriors and defenders Dressed in full armor Competed in tournaments and jousts to show their warrior skills In knighting ceremony, vows to “be valiant, courteous, and loyal”

11. Chivalry A Good Knight: Uses his strength for good Strives to be honorable and virtuous Protects the weak Is courteous Respects and defends women Is a defender of the Christian church Is inspired to greatness by love

12. Romantic Hero –hero of medieval romance –fulfills ideals of glory, nobility, justice, adventure, and loyalty

13. Important Characters: King Arthur Son of King Uther Pendragon + Igraine Raised by Sir Ector Drew the sword in the stone Married to Guinevere Known as Wart when a boy; did not know of noble lineage

14. King Arthur, cont. Reigned over 20 years of peace Son/Nephew Mordred against his reign Mordred died; Arthur mortally wounded Arthur died and was buried in Glastonbury Abbey Some said he would return to avenge his death and reign again

15. Important Characters: Sir Kay Arthur and Kay raised by Sir Ector Kay was Arthur’s foster brother Tries to claim sword in the stone

16. Important Characters: Morgan Le Fey Called Queen of the fairies, an enchantress, and sorceress Said to be Arthur’s half-sister Is a constant tormentor to Arthur Has magical powers similar to Merlyn

17. Important Characters: Merlin Wizard in Arthurian legends King’s Advisor Represents magic and wisdom of legends (pagan religions)

18. Important Symbols: Camelot Arthur’s Castle Embodies ideals of knighthood Meeting place of the Knights of the Round Table

19. Important Symbols: Round Table Mystical Table in Camelot Given to Arthur by King Lodegreaunce (Guinevere's Father) Table where Arthur’s knights meet Symbolized equal status among knights

20. Important Symbols: Excalibur King Arthur's mythical sword Sword in the stone only drawn by real king.

21. Arthurian Legend: A Summary Is loosely based on a real historical figure Is not historically accurate Has roots in Celtic mythology Include elements of fantasy and magic Include medieval ideals and institutions such as knighthood and chivalry The themes are still seen today

22. Alternate Assignment for Arthurian Legends Experts Research and then create a mind-map for the Knights of the Round Table Research and then create a mind-map for all the different variations (written, film, drama) of the Arthurian Legend Research and then create a mind-map on the women of Arthurian Legend Research and then create a mind-map for T.H. White