Arthurian Legends

by Juliette Evans

Arthurian Legends

• Take place in Great Britain • Fictional Legends with many

different versions• Sir Thomas Malory brought together

first collection• 12th and 13th Century

Camelot

• Castle

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

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.

Round Table

• Mystical Table in Camelot

• Symbol of Unity

• Given to Arthur by King Lodegreaunce (Guinevere's Father)

Excalibur

• King Arthur's mythical sword

• Sword in the stone only drawn by real king.

Chivalry

• Ideas associated with medieval knighthood

• Examples– Honor– Courtly love– Bravery– Loyalty to King

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

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

Sir Lancelot

• Greatest of King Arthur’s Knights

• One of the most trusted

• Has an affair with Guinevere

Sir Galahad

• Son of Lancelot + Elaine

• Seat was siege perilous

• Quest for the Holy Grail

Sir Kay

• Arthur and Kay raised by Sir Ector

• Kay was Arthur’s foster brother

• Tries to claim sword in the stone

Sir Gawain

• King Arthur’s nephew

• Defender of the poor

• Ladies man

Sir Mordred

• Illegitimate son of Arthur

• Traitor

• Takes over Kingdom while Arthur is away

Merlin

• Wizard in Arthurian legends

• King’s Advisor

• Mistress in Morgan Le Fay

3 Classes of Medieval Society

• Nobility • Commoners

• Clergy