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Dark Ages
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Arthur as presented in the legends was NOT a real person. There was, however, a chieftan named Arthur. Historical Arthur lived in the Dark Ages, at the end of the 5th and beginning of the 6th centuries. Literary Arthur comes from medieval times, during the 12th century.
History of Arthur Celtic mythology Romantic themes + Fairylike elements ____________________ Arthurian Legend
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS
Uther Pendragon Arthurs biological father. Igraine Arthurs biological mother Sir Ector - Arthurs adoptive father Merlin Arthurs counselor, prophet, magician, & wizard; he placed Arthur with Sir Ector. Morgan le Fay Arthurs half sister; healer & shape-changer; an adversary of both Arthur & Guinevere; she took Arthur to the barge that would take him to Avalon to be healed. Morgause Arthurs half sister; married to King Lot; mother of Gawain, Gaheris, Agravain, Gareth, & Mordred.
Sir Kay son of Sir Ector; raised as Arthurs step-brother. Mordred Arthurs nephew; seized Guinevere & rebelled against Arthur; killed by Lancelot after the last battle. Guinevere Arthurs wife; Lancelots lover. Lancelot Arthurs chief knight & rival for Guineveres love. The Lady of the Lake aka Vivienne; gave Excalibur to Arthur; enchanted & imprisoned Merlin. Joseph of Arimathea soldier of Pontius Pilate who was given the cup (Holy Grail) from the Last Supper; settled in Glastonbury.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Camelot King Arthurs kingdom. Tintagel Castle conception place of Arthur. Isle of Avalon island to which Arthur is sent to recover from the last battle. Glastonbury claimed by some to be the actual Isle of Avalon, as it was once surrounded by marshes.
Excalibur Arthurs magical sword; given to him by The Lady of the Lake. The Holy Grail the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper; used by Joseph of Arimathea to catch Christs blood when he was on the cross. The Round Table the table given as part of Guineveres dowry & used by Arthur and his knights. Each knights name was magically inscribed on the table. Everybody was equal.
IMPORTANT OBJECTS
Chivalry
Invincible strength Valor Justice Modesty Loyalty to superiors Courtesy to equals Compassion to weakness Devotedness to the church
Knight
Mounted warrior Man of rank, or in service of a man of rank Generally possesses some independent means of support, but relies on the gratitude of those he has served
Knight Training
Taught first articles of religion, respect, and reverence for their lords Initiated in ceremonies of the court
Carve, wait at table, and perform menial tasks Taught falconry, dancing, harp playing, hunting, fishing, wrestling, tilting with spears, & performing military exercises on horseback
Ceremony:
Officiating priest takes the sword, blesses it, and returns it Candidate folds arms, kneels before presiding knight and answers questions about motives for becoming a knight Takes an oath Receives armor and sword Kneels before presiding knight who administers the accolade (3 strokes of a flat sword on the neck or shoulder) and says, In the name of God, of St. Michael, and of St. George, I make thee a knight; be valiant, courteous, and loyal. Receives helmet, shield, and spear
The emblem of the Knights of the Round Table worn round the necks of all the Knights was given to them by King Arthur as part of the ceremony of their being made a knight. The Order's dominant idea was the love of God, people, and noble deeds. The cross in the emblem was to remind them that they were to live pure and stainless lives, to strive after perfection and thus attain the Holy Grail.
The Red Dragon of King Arthur represented their allegiance to the King.
The Round Table was illustrative of the Eternity of God, the equality, unity, and comradeship of the Order, and singleness of purpose of all the Knights.
When called upon, to defend the rights of the weak with all one's strength To injure no one Not to attack one another To fight for the safety of one's country To give one's life for one's country To seek nothing before honour Never to break faith for any reason To practice religion most diligently To grant hospitality to anyone, each according to his ability Whether in honour or disgrace, to make a report with the greatest fidelity to truth to those who keep the annals