Arthurian Legends

1
Arthurian Legends

• The History of King Arthur Arthurian Romances

2
The History of King Arthur

• King Arthur was said to have been a great Saxon
  king from the 6th century who was a Christian
• He unified the tribal kingdoms led his people
  against the invading Saxons
• He IS an historical figure who had fighting
  success, but maybe not an actual king

3
The History of King Arthur

• King Arthur was said to have lived in the 6th
  century
• He was born around 470 and died around 550
  somewhere in the Southwest of England

4
Creation of Arthurian Tales

• Tales were created to fill a psychological need
  for stability, roots, and mystique for the people
• They provided entertainment moral ideals
• Also, most importantly, for the new Norman ruler,
  King Henry II

5
Involvement of King Henry II

• When King Henry II assumed the throne, he wanted
  to prove a non-existent link with Englands
  historical roots
• He traced his roots back to Arthur and they
  solidified the connection by naming his first son
  Arthur
• Thus, he provided a successor to the legend, but
  young Arthur died

6
The Grave of King Arthur

• King Henry II needed proof of Arthurs death and
  in 1190 at Glastonbury Abbey an engraved slab of
  stone a sword were found
• Nine feet deeper a coffin with a skeleton of a
  tall man with a damaged skull was found as well
  as a skeleton of Guenivere.
• By re-entombing the skeletons Arthur now
  officially belonged to the normal rulers

7
Evidence of Arthur Legends

• Believed to have been born at Tintagel Castle,
  but was built too late (1100s) to be true
• Seven known hill forts have been excavated in
  Wales and can be traced to the 6th 7th century

8
Authors of the Tales of Arthur

• Monk Nennius Historia Brittonium, 9th century
• Compiled stories from approximately 800 sources
• Welsh priest wrote in Latin the earliest
  references to Arthur whom he calls leader of the
  battles
• Tales expanded and spread through Welsh
  Literature by storytellers (conteurs)

9
Authors of the Tales of Arthur

• Geoffrey of Monmouth, History of the Kings of
  Britain, approximately 1139
• Welshman wrote first continuous narrative of
  events of Arthurs career. He uses real basics of
  the story and some historical connections
• Fills out the details of Arthurs life makes
  Merlin a magician
• Writes of Arthur as a king wise warrior with a
  splendid court

10
Authors of the Tales of Arthur

• Chretien de Troyes, Collection of Poems,
  approximately 1170
• Wrote the oldest, complete Arthurian Romances in
  form of poems concerned with the knights of
  Arthurs court
• Focused on courtly love and the individual
  aspirations and achievements of the court

11
Authors of the Tales of Arthur

• Thomas Malory, Morte dArthur, 1485
• Wrote a series of romances with a focus on the
  Grail Quest
• Arthur becomes a hero of literature a moral
  example
• The death of Arthur (which is what Morte dArthur
  means) end of civilization

12
Arthurian Romances

• Definition a group of Medieval tales in prose
  and verse concerning King Arthur and the Knights
  of the Round Table
• Court known for its prowess and culture, peace
  stability

13
Arthurian Romances

• Fact or Fiction?
• Through storytelling that mixed mythological,
  legendary, and romantic elements Arthur has
  become largely fictitious
• There is little, if any, real evidence from his
  day

14
Arthurian Legends Elements

• Courtly Love
• Lovers willingness to serve his lady, no matter
  what feats of bravery and endurance he might be
  required to perform
• Knights were expected to abide by the rules of
  courtly love (see handout)

15
Arthurian Legends Elements

• Chivalry
• Kings Lords had groups of loyal knights ready
  to serve them and protect them
• Knights had to be physically strong, experienced
  horsemen, and well trained in the use of weapons
• After the threat of invasion diminished, the
  moral qualities of the Knights changed

16
Arthurian Legends Elements

• Chivalry, cont.
• The moral qualities of Knights were
• absolutely loyal to the Lord
• dutiful in defending those weaker than themselves
• they always had to fight fair
• always show courage
• swear to defend all women against unfair
  oppression and uphold their honor in every
  circumstance
• believe in glory of a good name
• had to make good on his word
• be unfailingly polite and courteous

17
Arthurian Legends Elements

• Themes Motifs to watch for
• Courtly love
• Danger of disguise
• Woman as downfall
• Chivalry
• Brutal Violence
• Human nature vs. human beliefs/codes
• Mystical occurrences