Remember, This Is About the LEGEND, Not the Historical Search for Arthur

Remember, This Is About the LEGEND, Not the Historical Search for Arthur

Arthurian Legend

Before we continue on our journey through history and literature, it is important for you to familiarize yourselves with the legend of King Arthur. Plots, characters, themes, artifacts, and place names from this legend arise frequently in both literature and life, so I would encourage you to consider these legends not only as entertainment, but also as cultural background knowledge.

Using the sites listed, explore the legend of King Arthur: his life, his times, his comrades, his legacy. You may use additional web sites found through Google or another search engine; however, if you stray from the indicated pages, I cannot be responsible for content found.

Remember, this is about the LEGEND, not the historical search for Arthur.

Making of a king. Answer the following questions about Arthur Pendragon

  1. Who were his parents? SOURCE:
  1. Who were his siblings (by blood)?
  1. Explain the strange circumstances of his conception and birth.
  1. Who raised him?
  1. How did he become King of England?
  1. To whom was he married?
  1. With whom did he have a child?
  1. Describe his reign. SOURCE:
  1. How did he die?

The Knights of the Round Table

Lancelot

  1. Where was he from?
  1. What was his role at the Round Table?
  1. What was his relationship to Arthur?
  1. In what way did he betray the king?

List two other Knights of the Round Table and give pertinent information

for each.

1.

2.

SOURCE:

What are two of the “rules” or “charges” the Knights of the Round Table

swore to uphold?

a.

b.

People

For the following characters, explore the web to find information

about their lives and functions. Please use multiple sites to obtain

info. List your sources. Due to the age and nature of

the legend, some details may vary.

SOURCE:

 Merlin

 Uther Pendragon

 Igraine

 Lady of the Lake (Viviane)

SOURCE:

 Morgan le Fay (Morgaine)

 Mordred

 Guinevere (Gwenhywfar)

Artifacts

Explore the web to find information about the following objects.

Please use multiple sites to obtain info. List your sources. Due to the age

and nature of the legend, some details may vary.

Excalibur (Caliburn)

What did its scabbard do?

How did Arthur obtain it?

What happened to it after Arthur died?

 The Round Table

How did Arthur obtain the table?

What did it symbolize?

SOURCE:

 The Holy Grail

What is it?

What does it have to do with the Knights of the Round Table?

Places

 Camelot

 Avalon

Themes

Identify and defend at least two of the themes of Arthuriana

1.

2.

Lasting Influence

List at least three books based on Arthurian Legend.

List at least three movies depicting the stories of King Arthur and/or his knights

Personal response:

Have YOU read any Arthurian stories or seen any King Arthur movies? If yes, what were the titles of those works?

Why do YOU think the legend of King Arthur lives on?

Possible resources for your journey through Arthurian legends:

  • Timeless Myths: Arthurian Legends - A welcome to the Arthurian Legends.
  • Arthurian Legends A to Z - A dictionary of characters and Arthurian terms.
  • King Arthur for Kids - The legends, the history, the characters, the places and things http://www-personal.umich.edu/~merrie/Arthur/kidstory.html
  • King Arthur's Life Story - From Early British Kingdoms for Kids
  • The Truth in the Tale: The Legends of King Arthur - An analysis of the legends and how they were developed
  • Arthurian Legends - A preview on the legends and characters http://csis.pace.edu/grendel/projs993a/arthurian/arth.htm
  • Arthurian FAQs including Who Was Arthur? - The history behind the legendary king
  • Arthur: King of Briton - Merrie Haskell offers a very brief essay on the famous king. http://www-personal.umich.edu/~merrie/Arthur/art.html
  • King Arthur from The Camelot Project - A good, thorough essay on the Once and Future King, King Arthur http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/arthmenu.htm
  • Arthurian Resources - Brief history and links about the Arthurian Legends
  • King Arthur on Britania - Links to sites associated with Arthur
  • King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table - All about the legends
  • The Age of Arthur - An essay exploring how the legends have been passed on through time