King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table

Take notes!

Important facts about the legends of King Arthur

* Stories of King Arthur were especially popular during the Middle Ages, though Arthur and his Knights actually lived (supposedly) during the Anglo-Saxon Era (449-1066) * These types of stories are referred to as romances. Romance- any imaginative adventure concerned with noble heroes, gallant love, a chivalric code of honor, and daring deeds. * Such tales were popular during the Middle Ages because of their imaginative nature and idealized world. During the time, England was in a state of political and civil unrest. The thought of castles, heroes, love, and magic was appealing.

What do we know about Arthur?

* Arthur was the son of Uther-Pendragon. * Arthur was raised by Sir Ector. * King Arthur brought peace to Britain. * King Arthur made his capital in Camelot.

* Arthur became king by pulling a sword from an anvil. * Arthur is believed to be asleep in a cave

* King Arthur married Lady Guinevere.

* King Arthurs knights were called The Knights of the Round Table * Arthur may have been Riothamus or many other kings of history.

What do we know about Merlin?

* Merlin was a fatherless child. * Merlin was a prophet. * Merlin is responsible for Stonehenge. * Merlin prophesized the death of Vortigern. * Merlin arranged the sword in the stone contest to make Arthur king. * Merlin brought Arthur to Avalon, introduced him to the Lady of the Lake, and got Excalibur for him. * Merlin helped disguise Uther Pendragon so that he could seduce Ygraine.

What do we know about Guinevere? * Guineveres name is spelled many different ways. * Guinevere was easily taken advantage of. * Guinevere was very beautiful.

* Guinevere was Arthurs wife.

What do we know about the Knights of the Round Table?

* There were 150 knights at the table. * Each knights name was engraved in gold. * They were the bravest knights in the land. * They were to embark on many adventures. * Sir Gawain, Sir Tor, and King Pellinore were the first of the knights to go on a quest.

* They followed the Chivalric Code.

What exactly is the Chivalric Code? The Chivalric Code was established as a result of the First Quest of the Knights of the Round Table.

All of the Knights of the Round Table are required to maintain:

1. Faith 2. Honor The ideal knight respected and vigorously defended his church, his king, his country, and victims of injustice.

3. Courtesy
4. Loyalty 5. Bravery 6. Modesty

This is their Code of Chivalry:

Be brave. Demonstrate honor. Show courtesy. Protect the weak. Respect women. Show fairness even to enemies.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

As we read, look for: 1. Descriptions of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight 2. Aspects of a romance 3. Examples of the Chivalric Code 4. References to Christianity 5. References to the Anglo-Saxon Era

Homework: Read Sir Gawain and The Green

Knight for Tuesday Write down examples of the above and be prepared to discuss.