H10 The Legend of King Arthur
"The power of the sword, the power of the mind,
the power of the heart..." -- Merlin
1. In the quote above, which power is greatest – why? How can one power damage another? Do the
powers complement each other? Do you need to have each to have all?
Authenticity matters little, though — our willingness to accept legends depends far more upon their
expression of concepts we want to believe than upon their plausibility. Barbara Mikkelson snopes.com,
2. In the quote above, explain what she means and comment, agree, disagree, argue.
3. List as many legends as you can:
4. What is a legend? What makes something legendary? What makes a story turn into a legend?
5. What are the five characteristics of a legend?
About Arthurian Legend...
Arthurian legend refers to a body of medieval literature whose principal subject is the exploits of Arthur, a sixth century
British king who fought to protect Britain from fierce Germanic tribes. Originally concerned with the history of Arthur and
the "Matter of Britain," the legend developed into a more literary than purely historic form during the Middle Ages,
incorporating elements of Celtic myth and medieval chivalry. By the twelfth century, Arthurian legend had become
established in the literature of France, Germany, Italy, and other countries resulting in a great diversity of Arthurian
characters, themes and motifs.
Scholars divide Arthurian legend into two broadly overlapping domains, the "pseudo-historical Arthur" and Arthurian
romance. The historical aspect of Arthurian legend developed chiefly in the British Isles. There, Arthur's name is mentioned
in conjunction with a number of battles in chronicles and poems that elaborate on the theme of Arthur as a heroic warrior
king. Many latter chronicles that present a glorified portrayal of Arthur transgress historical fact, but in so doing, introduce
new motifs such as the Isle of Avalon, the figure of Merlin and other sorcerers, kings scheming over vast lands, fire-breathing
dragons that plague villages, and the sword Exalibur.
The flowering of Arthurian romance occurred in France during the late twelfth century. The numerous verse romances
consolidate many of the legend's best know features: the romance of Lancelot and Guinevere, Sir Gawain as a model of
noble conduct, and the quest for the mysterious Holy Grail. These romances shifted attention away from Arthur toward his
illustrious knights of the round table. By the thirteenth century, Arthurian romances shift the treatment of the material from
verse to prose.
Arthurian legend itself continues to resonate within Western culture, representing adventure, tragedy, and idealism embodied
by the code of chivalry. We see its elements throughout television, movies, and contemporary literature . Source: Classical
and Medieval Literature Criticism, Volume 10
Reading Guide
The Coronation of Arthur
1. What is Merlin’s role in Uther’s court?
2. Why does Merlin want to remove Arthur?
3. How does Merlin continue to influence Arthur’s future?
4. What elements let you know that this story takes place in a Christian society?
The Hollow Hills
5. What do you think the “driving god” is?
6. Why do you think Cador and Lot are represented by a boar and a leopard?
7. Why couldn’t Arthur see in the flames what Merlin could?
8. What does the last sentence mean?
9. Briefly describe Arthur’s succession to the throne.
Youth and Chivalry
9. According to the author, what’s the most striking way in which the medieval age differs from ours?
10. What was the chief role of children in medieval literature?
11. What is unusual about the subject matter of medieval illustrations?
12. What subject was rarely written about in medieval books?
13. Who educated the son of a noble family until he was eight years old?
14. What subjects did girls of noble births learn?
15. What beliefs were taught to help children answer the call to knighthood or to the religious life?
The Tale of Sir Launcelot du Lake &
The Once and Future King
16. What might have saved Sir Lyonel from being taken prisoner?
17. What do the four queens want with Sir Launcelot?
18. How did Launcelot become the most famous knight at King Arthur’s Court?
19. What good does Launcelot do for the society of his time?
20. What differentiates a tournament from a joust?
21. What does author T.H. White think of this fighting society?
22. Why was the damsel crying?
23. How did Launcelot embody the values of his time in history?
The Death of King Arthur &
Idylls of the King
24. What do you think Sir Modred was “already vested with sovereign powers” at the beginning of the selection?
25. Do you believe that Modred would have brought peace and festivity to England? Why or why not?
26. Why do you think Modred rushed to meet Arthur in their last battle?
27. Who would you say won the war? Why?
28. What does Bedivere fear is lost?
29. What does Arthur say are the effects of prayer?
30. Which ending do you find more hopeful – Tennyson’s or Malory’s? Why?
