Le Morte DArthur

Sir Thomas Malory

Who was King Arthur?

Celtic origins:
Arthwyr as general term for a prince
Name may also derive from the Celtic word art,
meaning bear (Arturus the Bear)
Others argue that he was Octha, son of Hengest, who
moved south and united much of the area
Earliest stories represent him as a god-like creature
interacting with other deities in Welsh mythology
Welsh claims also based on his birth at Tintagel and
burial at Glastonbury

Alternately, High King of Britain with his origins

in Brittany (Geoffrey of Monmouth)

Why would Malory

choose King Arthur?
Arthur brought order out of chaos
Warfare as form of sport vs. warfare as
technology aimed at widespread devastation
Men heroically die in single combat, but are
not slaughtered as they lie in the mud
Imaginary past in which nobles had
absolute power over contented peasants
Hero/King who will return to bring peace

Le Morte DArthur: Cultural Conflicts

The stability of the society as a whole
Government by contract between ruler and
community of nobles and commons
Rule of law within class system

The motivations of individuals

Personal goals
Courtly love
The will to power

The Story
Chivalry in every situation
Arthur didnt want to believe the affair
charges. Doesnt believe that Lancelot would
do that to him.
Arthur wants to execute the queen after her
act of treason
Mallory is less interested in romantic love
than in heroic deeds.

The Story, contd

Arthur blames Mordrid for the whole
situation because hes a tattle-tale.
Wants to save Excaliber for posterity
Confessions, Repentence, Crusades, etc.
(very Catholic)

Two Passions
Spiritual Passions
the search for the grail

Fleshly Passions
affair between Guinevere and Lancelot