1. Arthurian Legend

2. “King Arthur”
Charles Ernest Butler
Oil on Canvas
1903

3. Arthurian Legend Notes
Code of Chivalry – Code of conduct for Knights
Requirements of a Knight:
Brave warrior
Virtuous Christian
Selfless fighter for justice

4. Arthurian Legend (cont.)
Sir Thomas Malory
Author of most complete surviving collection of Arthurian legends
Jailed for stealing cattle, extortion, assault
Spent much of his life in prison
Author of Morte d’Arthur, wrote from prison
William Caxton
established first printing press in England
gave Morte d’Arthur its title

5. Arthurian Legend (cont.)
Characteristics of a Medieval Romance:
Adventure story tells of supernatural events
Exotic setting
Knights, kings, and damsels in distress
Tells of a quest
Battles are fought
Love is doomed

6. Arthurian Legend (cont.)
Four Characteristics of a Legend:
Heroic figures
Memorable deeds
Quests, contests, or tests
Patterned events (e.g., repeated 3 times)