Arthurian Legends An Introduction for Mind-mapping

Legend: A definition – Imaginative tale believed to have some historical basis – Passed from generation to generation; may change over time – Reveals values and lifestyles of culture

Arthurian Legends • Take place in Great Britain • Fictional Legends with many different versions • Sir Thomas Malory brought together first collection • 12 th and 13 th original written version

The Real King Arthur • There is great debate over who he was • Possibly a king, a prince, or a renowned soldier • May have been son of Uther • Existed 450-550 A.D. • Led battle of Mount Badon, defeating the Saxons

Characteristics of Arthurian Legends, cont. • Probably based on Celtic battle hero from 6 th century • Changed over time, incorporating new cultural values • Vary in format, length, and genre (including movies and musicals) • Writers from several nations and time periods helped create them (still being recreated)

Motifs of Arthurian Legends • The king and land are one • Might for right, not might for might • Justice • Love, Friendship, and Betrayal • Appearance vs. Reality • Redemption and Forgiveness

3 Classes of Medieval Society • Nobility • Clergy • Commoners

Page, Squire, Knight • Age 7-Page – Servant in a household – Learns weaponry, courtesy, religion, etc.

• Age 14- Squire – Personal aide to a knight • Age 18-21- Knight – If he can master the skills he is then knighted

Knight • Historically, knights were warriors and defenders • Dressed in full armor • Competed in tournaments and jousts to show their warrior skills • In knighting ceremony, vows to “be valiant, courteous, and loyal”

Chivalry A Good Knight: • Uses his strength for good • Strives to be honorable and virtuous • Protects the weak • Is courteous • Respects and defends women • Is a defender of the Christian church • Is inspired to greatness by love

Romantic Hero – hero of medieval romance – fulfills ideals of glory, nobility, justice, adventure, and loyalty

Important Characters: King Arthur • Son of King Uther Pendragon + Igraine • Raised by Sir Ector • Drew the sword in the stone • Married to Guinevere • Known as Wart when a boy; did not know of noble lineage

King Arthur, cont. • Reigned over 20 years of peace • Son/Nephew Mordred against his reign • Mordred died; Arthur mortally wounded • Arthur died and was buried in Glastonbury Abbey • Some said he would return to avenge his death and reign again

Important Characters: Sir Kay • Arthur and Kay raised by Sir Ector • Kay was Arthur’s foster brother • Tries to claim sword in the stone

Important Characters: Morgan Le Fey • Called Queen of the fairies, an enchantress, and sorceress • Said to be Arthur’s half-sister • Is a constant tormentor to Arthur • Has magical powers similar to Merlyn

Important Characters: Merlin • Wizard in Arthurian legends • King’s Advisor • Represents magic and wisdom of legends (pagan religions)

Important Symbols: Camelot • Arthur’s Castle •Embodies ideals of knighthood • Meeting place of the Knights of the Round Table

Important Symbols: Round Table • Mystical Table in Camelot • Given to Arthur by King Lodegreaunce (Guinevere's Father) • Table where Arthur’s knights meet • Symbolized equal status among knights

Important Symbols: Excalibur • King Arthur's mythical sword • Sword in the stone only drawn by real king.

Arthurian Legend: A Summary • Is loosely based on a real historical figure • Is not historically accurate • Has roots in Celtic mythology • Include elements of fantasy and magic • Include medieval ideals and institutions such as knighthood and chivalry • The themes are still seen today

Alternate Assignment for Arthurian Legends Experts • Research and then create a mind-map for the Knights of the Round Table • Research and then create a mind-map for all the different variations (written, film, drama) of the Arthurian Legend • Research and then create a mind-map on the women of Arthurian Legend • Research and then create a mind-map for T.H. White