KING ARTHUR Arthurian Legend The Basics Arthur is

KING ARTHUR (Arthurian Legend)

The Basics Arthur is a fabled British king figured in many legends. He appears as the ideal of kingship both in war and peace; even in modern times he has been ranked as one of the 100 Greatest Britons of all time. Over time, the popularity of the stories of King Arthur have captured interest far beyond his being the legendary hero of one nation. There are some historians who believe that Arthur really existed, Possibly as a 5 th century general who led the Romans against the Anglo-Saxons. Others believe it is entirely myth.

Le Morte d’Arthur • “Death of Arthur” by Thomas Mallory • Written in the late 1400 s • Used as a source for many other Arthurian stories • Collection of Arthur stories, some new, some updated

Other Arthurian Stories • A CONNECTICUT YANKEE IN KING ARTHUR’S COURT • Written by Mark Twain, published in 1889 • THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING • By T. H. White. This was the basis for the Disney movie “The Sword in the Stone. ” • PARSIFAL • Opera by Richard Wagner based on Sir Percival, one of Arthur’s knights

ARTHURIAN CHARACTERS: • • • Queen Guinevere Lancelot Gawain Merlin Kay Percival Morgan Le Fey Mordred Galahad

EXCALIBUR • Said to belong to the rightful king of England • Sometimes this is the sword in the stone; in other stories, it is given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake

The Holy Grail Search by Arthur and his knights – connection to nature, Arthur is said to be tied in to the land itself

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight • The story begins in King Arthur's court at Camelot as the court is feasting and exchanging gifts. A gigantic Green Knight armed with an axe enters the hall and proposes a game. He asks that someone in the court take the axe and strike a single blow at him, on the condition that the Green Knight will return the blow one year and one day later. Sir Gawain, the youngest of Arthur's knights as well as Arthur's nephew, accepts the challenge and chops off the giant's head in one smashing blow, fully expecting him to die. But the Green Knight picks up his own head, reminds Gawain to meet him at the Green Chapel in a year and a day, and rides off.

Gawain, continued • Almost a year later, Sir Gawain sets off to find the Green Chapel and complete his bargain with the Green Knight. His journey takes him to a beautiful castle, where Gawain meets Bercilak, the lord of the castle, and his beautiful wife, who are both pleased to have such a renowned guest. Gawain tells them of his New Year's Day appointment at the Green Chapel and says that he must continue his search the next day. The lord laughs and tells him his search has ended: the Green Chapel is not two miles away.

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