Example of essay on king arthur & the arthurian legend

Introduction A legend is made of extraordinary deeds, and the daring feats of a legend are told and retold for generations. It is often about a particular person, carrying a historical basis, with certain elements of magic and myth woven around him or her. The myths revolving a legend often carry supernatural angle to interpret natural events & explain the universe and humanity

Arthurian Legend

Arthurian legend has emerged slowly over centuries, and the storytellers have told again and again about a great chief or leader, who disappeared mysteriously, but promises to return to his people in time of need. King Arthur legends are often based on 5th or 6th century Celtic warlords who lived in Wales and often led his people to victory against Saxon invaders. The chief is believed to have been fatally wounded in battle, and a gravestone can still be seen that carries his name.

King Arthur

King Arthur represents a figure who was the epitome of good against evil and his life was a never-ending struggle between what is right and wrong. One of the prominent themes of British literature revolves around the mystical tale of King Arthur. His stories have become influential throughout the centuries and today; we come across King Arthur as a collection of different legends, written under different times and by different authors (King Arthur’s Knights).

Romance

There is something romantic about supernatural events, passionate love, and daring deeds. The wandering storytellers from the Middle Ages in Europe would tell adventurous tales of knights and heroes, that became known as romances over time. Writers of romances idealized their heroes, and their characters were kings, knights, and ladies, who are driven by love, faith, or just a desire for adventure. Medieval romances are lighthearted, and the characters simply move on from one event to the next. Generally speaking, there is a goal to accomplish, and there are many hurdles on the way.

Chivalry

Chivalry is a code of behavior followed by the medieval knights and is associated with knightly virtues and honor. It typically describes the courteous behavior of men towards women. The chivalric code is made of honor, modesty, courage, honesty, generosity, loyalty, compassion and faith in god (King Arthur The History, the Legend, the King).
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References

” King Arthur’s Knights.” Kingarthursknights. 1 Jan. 2009. Web. .
” King Arthur The History, the Legend, the King.” Britannia. 1 Jan. 2013. Web. .