1. Arthurian Legends

2. Medieval Romance (Archetype)
Source for the popular image of the “Knight in Shining Armor”
Characteristics:
idealized noble characters
exaggerated or larger than life behavior
a hero’s quest: motivated by love, religious faith, or desire for adventure
supernatural or magical events
unusual or exotic settings
incidents involving mistaken identity

3. Chivalry Ideas associated with medieval knighthood Examples Honor
Bravery
Loyalty to King
(Great Hair a Must!)
Courtly love
came about because of arranged marriages
end goal is not marriage
hopeless passion
woman should be of “greater” rank
male “mortally injured” by her beauty, only her favor can save him.

4. Arthurian Legends Follow the Medieval Romantic Pattern
Take place in Great Britain
Fictional Legends with many different versions
Sir Thomas Malory brought together first collection
12th and 13th Century

5. King Arthur Son of Uther Pendragon + Igraine Raised by Sir Ector
Drew the sword in the stone
Married to Guinevere

6. Excalibur King Arthur's mythical sword 2 different Myths:
Sword in the stone only drawn by real king.
The Sword replacing the sword from the stone given by the lady of the lake.
In this myth there is a scabbard which also has mythical powers.

7. Sir Lancelot Greatest of King Arthur’s Knights One of the most trusted
Has an affair with Guinevere

8. Sir Galahad Son of Lancelot + Elaine Seat was siege perilous
Quest for the Holy Grail

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

10. Sir Gawain
King Arthur’s nephew
Defender of the poor
Ladies man

11. Sir Mordred Illegitimate son of Arthur Traitor
Takes over Kingdom while Arthur is away

12. Merlin Wizard in Arthurian legends King’s Advisor
Mistress is Morgan Le Fay

13. Camelot Home to Arthur and the knights of the round table. Castle
Symbolizes a perfect society.

14. Round Table Mystical Table in Camelot
Symbol of Unity (Often associated with democracy as no knight is “higher” at the table.
Given to Arthur by King Lodegreaunce (Guinevere's Father)

15. Siege Perilous
Specially reserved seat at the Round Table for the knight who was destined to quest for and return with the Holy Grail
Sir Galahad- only knight who sits in it.
Fatal to anyone else who sat in it.

16. Holy Grail
In Christian mythology the cup used by Jesus during the last supper.
In Arthurian legends the hero must prove himself worthy to be in its presence

17. Retold Often