King Arthur Essay - 1428 Words

King Arthur Character Analysis The character of King Arthur is unique in literature. Most characters are known through their actions and words as described by the author of a story. Arthur, however, is a conglomerate of characters described by many different authors over a fifteen hundred year span. There is no single depiction of him, and one cannot trace his origin to a single author for the definitive description. As such, the character of Arthur is different depending on the era, culture, and the particular writer who is relating his version of the Arthurian legend. Three Kinds of Arthur There is much debate whether Arthur was an actual historical person. There is no absolute evidence, but it is possible that Arthur†¦show more content†¦Here we see Arthur as a kind of Beowulf: a fearless leader of men, capable of legendary feats of strength and battle. This Arthur is practically a god; in fact, there is reason to believe that the figures of the Arthurian romances were originally Welsh gods (Americana). Arthur as symbol of the virtues of Camelot A second image of Arthur is that of a peripheral figure whose presence is felt mainly as a social force or arbiter of chivalric excellence (Americana). Epitomized by the story Sir Gawain the Green Knight, Arthur is not the main character or source of action. He is the symbol of a wide abstraction: that of the courage, honor, honesty, and chivalry of Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table. In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, we still see Arthur as fearless warrior; he is the first to accept the Green Knight’s challenge and lay his life on the line to defend the honor of his court. But, in addition to his positive virtues, Arthur is also representative of the affluence and decadence of his court. There is perhaps a sense that Arthur and his court are too successful and have become enamored of fine food, drink, and women. It is this hubris, with Arthur as its highest symbol, that the Green Knight challenges. In this story, we also see the first indications that Arthur, throu gh questionable descision-making, is capable of causing strife among the Knights ofShow MoreRelated King Arthur Essay1157 Words   |  5 PagesKing Arthur Character Analysis Although King Arthur is one of the most well-known figures in the world, his true identity remains a mystery. Attempts to identify the historical Arthur have been unsuccessful, since he is largely a product of fiction. Most historians, though, agree that the real Arthur was probably a battle leader of the Britons against the Anglo-Saxons in the sixthth century. In literature, King Arthurs character is unique and ever changing, taking on a different face inRead More King Arthur Essay1664 Words   |  7 Pages Tales Of King Arthur Since the romanticizing of the Arthurian legends by Geoffery of Monmouth, the historian, during the twelfth century, the legendary king of England has been the source of inspiration for kings, poets, artists and dreamers alike. The most famous work is probably Sir Thomas Malorys Le Morte dArthur, completed around 1470, and published in many abridged and complete versions. Malorys work contains in one the legend that had been continually added to over theRead More King Arthur Essay2674 Words   |  11 PagesKing Arthur The Arthurian legends are well known in todays society. However, very few people know of the real Arthur -- who he was and what his accomplishments were. This paper will establish a difference between legend and truth, show evidence to support and explain who the real Arthur was, and shed some light on the sometimes confusing Arthurian legends. To establish any sort of idea that there was, in fact, a real Arthur, it is imperative to look over the legendary ArthurRead MoreThe Legend Of King Arthur1308 Words   |  6 PagesKing Arthur King Arthur was one of Britain’s and Wale’s most influential literary figures from the early 800’s. Through the ages more caught on to these Arthurian Legends, and they began to embrace them as part of their culture. Some believe that he is only a legend, yet others believe that there is even an Arthur living among us today. While growing up, Arthur was oblivious to his heritage. From becoming a King at the age of 16, Arthur showed courage and strength in the darkest of timesRead MoreKing Arthur Essay1506 Words   |  7 PagesThe stories and legends surrounding the character of King Arthur are among the best known of all stories about kings and knights. The stories and legends surrounding the character of King Arthur are among the best known of all stories about kings and knights. He is the greatest of British literary heroes, although little is known about the real person. Folklore and literature provide examples of a recurrent myth about a leader or hero who has not really died, but is asleep somewhere orRead MoreKing Arthur and Lancelot1131 Words   |  5 Pagesbattle. Nine months later, Merlin takes Uthers son Arthur. Uther pursues but is mortally wounded by Gorloiss knights. Uther thrusts Excalibur into a stone, and Merlin proclaims that he who draws the sword from the stone, he shall be king. Years later Sir Ector and his sons, Kay and Arthur, attend a jousting tournament. Sir Leondegrance wins the chance to try pulling Excalibur from the stone, but fails. Kays sword is later stolen, and Arthur pulls Excalibur from the stone while trying to stopRead MoreCharacteristics Of King Arthur880 Words   |  4 PagesMany know of the epic hero Arthur, but don’t know what it is that makes him so. Though there isn’t one solid story, like Beowulf, there are multiple stories that agree on the same things, such as Arthur’s allegiance to the Knights of the Round table, his companion Merlin, his relationships with his fellow knights, family, and close friends, and the legendary sword Excalibur. When all aforementioned qualities are explained and put together, it can truthfully define Arthur as an epic hero. The legendRead MoreWho Is King Arthur?526 Words   |  2 Pages2010). This quote is the perfect way to describe King Arthur. The stories of King Arthur have been passed down for centuries. He is a huge figure it literature and his stories have impacted many people. What if that is it? What if it is all just stories. History has provided us with much evidence that he is real. We also have a lot of counter evidence as well. So, who exactly was King Arthur and is he a hero born, or just made up? Arthur, a Celtic king who was born of deceit and adultery, became oneRead MoreKing Arthur873 Words   |  4 PagesKing Arthur, was he man of truth or myth? King Arthur was a real person, not just a fictional character. While many believe that King Arthur was a non-fictional character, others feel that he was a fictional character. This was because there is no written record of a King Arthur in any area where he was reportedly born or deceased. King Arthur was real because there many people recall King Arthur or who have known personal stories of him, his family, and the wars he so bravely participated in. ThereRead More King Arthur Essay example1129 Words   |  5 PagesComing of Arthur The Two Swords- Arthur pulls a sword from a stone and becomes king. Then he goes to the Lady of the Lake and she gives him the sword Excalibur and the magic scabbard. Balyn and Balan- Balyn gets a cursed sword and kills the Lady of the Lake. He goes after Garlon the invisible evil night and finds the Castel Carbonek. He stricks King Pelles with the Dolorous Stroke then fights his brother unknowingly and they kill each other. The First Quest of the Round Table- King Arthur