1. The Legend of King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table
Romantic Literature
and
The Romantic Hero

2. The Origins of Arthur Historians have several theories
Son of Roman general
Celtic chieftain
Origins are from Wales, a part of Great Britain
Very famous and legendary leader or general
First appears in writing in the 6th century
First collected stories, Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory in 1469.

3. Map of Arthurian England

4. Characteristics of Romantic Literature
Follows the Code of Chivalry, a knight’s social and moral code of conduct; this deals with courage, loyalty, honor, and generosity
Idealizes the hero; the knight and his deeds are honorable, reliable, and loyal.

5. Romantic Literature cont’d
A knight’s love for his lady
Concealed or disguised identity; face must not reveal one’s identity while on a mission
Contains a supernatural element
Settings are imaginary, much is unreal

6. Characteristics of the Romantic Hero
Champion of Freedom and Justice
Courageous and assertive
Superhuman/supernatural
Unfailing loyalty
Devoted to duty or the worthy cause
Resourceful and decisive

7. Romantic Hero Characteristics cont’d
Curious
Obscure and/or lonely at times
Inspiration to others
Acts from a desire for knowledge or adventure – the quest

8. Legendary Arthurian Characters
King Arthur
Son of Uther Pendragon and Egraine
Taken from parents by Merlin
Adopted by Sir Ector, given by Merlin
Brother and squire to Sir Kay
Knows nothing about his origins until he pulls
sword from the stone
Rules fairly with new morals –might for right

9. Legendary Arthurian Characters
Merlin –
Sorcerer or wizard
Lives backward on time
Practices white magic
Changes Uther into likeness of Egraine’s husband
Makes bargain with Uther for Arthur as a baby
Mentor and tutor to young Arthur
Represents pagan (before Christians) traditions
Trapped in cave by his love, never to return

10. Legendary Arthurian Characters
Uther Pendragon
Falls in love with Egraine, the wife of the Duke of Gorlois
Fights with Duke of Gorlois over his wife
Demands Merlin change him into likeness of Egraine’s husband
Duke of Gorlois is killed in battle
Releases the baby Arthur to Merlin as part of bargain

11. Legendary Arthurian Characters
Queen Guinever or Gwenevere
Arthur’s beautiful and beloved queen
Her father King Leodegrance gives Arthur the round table as a wedding present
Younger than Arthur, loves him and supports him
Falls passionately in love with Sir Lancelot
Accused of betraying Arthur
No children

12. Lancelot
Comes from France, crosses the English channel, seeking a great king to serve
Best knight of all
Very religious and devout Christian
Best friend to Arthur, serves him as knight, friend, and advisor
Falls in love with Arthur’s queen, feels guilty and leaves Camelot to deny his love

13. Legendary Arthurian Characters
Mordred
Arthur’s son
Hates Arthur because of his mother
Comes to Camelot to cause trouble
Accuses the queen of betraying Arthur
with Lancelot
Causes war among Arthur’s knights

14. The Influence of Romantic Literature
Star Wars
Lord of the Rings
Harry Potter
American Westerns
Indiana Jones
King Arthur
Look for the Romantic hero; he or she is everywhere!