1. Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory
The Death of Arthur
Copyright Peter S. Willis

2. Sir Thomas Malory (1405?-1471) Son of prosperous parents
Native of Warwickshire in England
Fought in Hundred Years’ War; knighted; served in Parliament
Supported the Lancaster family during the War of the Roses; was imprisoned by the York family, the ruling government
Wrote Le Morte d’Arthur while in prison
Mortally wounded, King Arthur waits to be taken to Avalon.

3. Le Morte d’Arthur Considered to be a Romance Noble Heroes
Code of Chivalry
Passionate Love
Daring Deeds
Supernatural Events
Idealized heroes/era
Lighthearted tone (optional)
Loose structure (episodes)
King Arthur, the boy king, is crowned.

4. The Chivalric Code Heroes must be… Honorable Chaste Loyal Courageous
Truthful
Courteous
Launcelot was considered the best of all knights.

5. The Golden Age
King Arthur ruled during a “golden age,” when there was peace and prosperity throughout the kingdom.
His knights went forth on many epic quests to right wrongs or to pursue holy relics.
King Arthur made England safe for all.

6. The Great Tragedy
King Arthur’s favorite knight, Sir Launcelot, betrayed the king and took Queen Gwynevere as his lover.
This led to a great civil war between Arthur and Launcelot, and the destruction of Arthur’s kingdom by his own son, Mordred.
Launcelot and Gwynevere became lovers.

7. The Death of Arthur
With the passing of Arthur, the great kingdom he brought into being came to an end.
Centuries after he supposedly ruled, he became an incredibly popular topic for French, English and German writers.
It’s impossible to separate truth from fiction in Arthurian stories.
Arthur slays his own son, Mordred, in the final battle.