The King Arthur Legend as a Romance
The King Arthur Legend as a Romance
Is The King Arthur Legend a romance? The answer to this question is a simple ‘yes’. ‘Why?’ some may ask. That answer is simple as well. The King Arthur Legend is a romance because it is full of noble heroes, daring deeds, gallant quests, extraordinary happenings, and far off lands. So, is this legend a romance?
Sir Gawain, according to legend, was Arthur’s most loyal knight, though he is not always the central hero of his stories. He strove to do what was right and would follow the law implicitly. He was the epitome of morality, decency, and civility. No other knight has appeared in more tales than he. Even Sir Lancelot, the greatest, purest, and most trusted of the knights of all his knights, has not graced the pages of as numerous a tale. Another of the heroes of Arthur’s time, along with his brave knights, was his teacher and dear friend, Merlin—depicted in most tales as a wizard, but often referred to as the court magician or even a philosopher. He is credited with producing the concept of The Round Table as well as the ring at Stonehenge. But let’s not forget the true hero, the king himself, Arthur Pendragon, son of Uther and Igraine. He and his knights fought courageously against beasts, rescued fair maidens, and searched for the Holy Grail. They were known for their chivalry, morality, and devotion.
Sir Lancelot took part in many daring deeds, including the joust formulated by Queen Guinevere—which was not a wise decision on either part, considering that is what began the romance between the two. Though not his best choice, Sir Lancelot made a rather bold decision when he gave into his attraction to Guinevere. Their affair not only shattered Arthur’s heart but brought around the end of Camelot. As a consequence of her actions, Guinevere was to be burned at the stake and Lancelot fled, coming back only to rescue her.
Of course, a hero would be nothing without a cause… without a quest. And what better quest than for
Is The King Arthur Legend a romance? The answer to this question is a simple ‘yes’. ‘Why?’ some may ask. That answer is simple as well. The King Arthur Legend is a romance because it is full of noble heroes, daring deeds, gallant quests, extraordinary happenings, and far off lands. So, is this legend a romance?
Sir Gawain, according to legend, was Arthur’s most loyal knight, though he is not always the central hero of his stories. He strove to do what was right and would follow the law implicitly. He was the epitome of morality, decency, and civility. No other knight has appeared in more tales than he. Even Sir Lancelot, the greatest, purest, and most trusted of the knights of all his knights, has not graced the pages of as numerous a tale. Another of the heroes of Arthur’s time, along with his brave knights, was his teacher and dear friend, Merlin—depicted in most tales as a wizard, but often referred to as the court magician or even a philosopher. He is credited with producing the concept of The Round Table as well as the ring at Stonehenge. But let’s not forget the true hero, the king himself, Arthur Pendragon, son of Uther and Igraine. He and his knights fought courageously against beasts, rescued fair maidens, and searched for the Holy Grail. They were known for their chivalry, morality, and devotion.
Sir Lancelot took part in many daring deeds, including the joust formulated by Queen Guinevere—which was not a wise decision on either part, considering that is what began the romance between the two. Though not his best choice, Sir Lancelot made a rather bold decision when he gave into his attraction to Guinevere. Their affair not only shattered Arthur’s heart but brought around the end of Camelot. As a consequence of her actions, Guinevere was to be burned at the stake and Lancelot fled, coming back only to rescue her.
Of course, a hero would be nothing without a cause… without a quest. And what better quest than for