The character of King Arthur is unique in literature. It is a conglomerate of characters described by many different authors over a span of fifteen hundred years. 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. The ideals of King Arthur are reliant on the values of the society where he is placed. We will be examining the legend of King Arthur in medieval England. Through this chronicle, we will learn how England operated in medieval times and what societal issues were present. We will peek into the fabric of this
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“With the death of Uther Pendragon, the kingdom of Britain fell into a period of great danger both from without and within.” (Rosenburg, Pg. 423) When King Arthur came into play, England was divided. It was internally fractured with individual city-states holding power, externally threatened from invading Saxons and being intimidated by the Roman Empire. All in all, these were dark times for the nation and what the people needed most of all was an emblem of hope. The nation needed an idol; someone who could rally the public to fight for their homeland. “Unless a hero could emerge who was strong enough […] Britain was certain to be consumed, bite by bite, by foreigners.” (Rosenburg, Pg. 423) Arthur delivered exactly what the people of Britain were dreaming for in those abysmal times - a king. Someone who was perfect to lead the nation into eminence. King Arthur is not just some character in a children’s tale; he expresses a deep psychological aspect of human existence. He was what the people fantasised of becoming and even today acts as a beacon of hope to …show more content…
It is all about talent, and the knights who get the most fame are the talented ones, like Arthur. Those without talent in the battle field are not well regarded and are often considered feeble and dishonorable. After Arthur fights and kills the giant to selflessly save the people of Gaul, “King Arthur himself had no desire to acquire more power. “We have achieved great glory and honor” he announced.” (Rosenburg, Pg. 439) In the eyes of Arthur it was not just about winning. He was not greedy he instead wished to be considered honorable in his ways. Instead of keeping his wealth to himself, “Arthur rewarded his knights and servants generously with land.” (Rosenburg, Pg. 439) A hero is not just someone who fights battles; heroes are also just and fair and are loyal to their people. King Arthur slides into this persona easily. This conveyed a message to society that those who behave honorably will be the ones who are rewarded with wealth and lands. Above all else British society at this time demanded loyalty from everyone from the greatest of kings to the lowliest of
“With the death of Uther Pendragon, the kingdom of Britain fell into a period of great danger both from without and within.” (Rosenburg, Pg. 423) When King Arthur came into play, England was divided. It was internally fractured with individual city-states holding power, externally threatened from invading Saxons and being intimidated by the Roman Empire. All in all, these were dark times for the nation and what the people needed most of all was an emblem of hope. The nation needed an idol; someone who could rally the public to fight for their homeland. “Unless a hero could emerge who was strong enough […] Britain was certain to be consumed, bite by bite, by foreigners.” (Rosenburg, Pg. 423) Arthur delivered exactly what the people of Britain were dreaming for in those abysmal times - a king. Someone who was perfect to lead the nation into eminence. King Arthur is not just some character in a children’s tale; he expresses a deep psychological aspect of human existence. He was what the people fantasised of becoming and even today acts as a beacon of hope to …show more content…
It is all about talent, and the knights who get the most fame are the talented ones, like Arthur. Those without talent in the battle field are not well regarded and are often considered feeble and dishonorable. After Arthur fights and kills the giant to selflessly save the people of Gaul, “King Arthur himself had no desire to acquire more power. “We have achieved great glory and honor” he announced.” (Rosenburg, Pg. 439) In the eyes of Arthur it was not just about winning. He was not greedy he instead wished to be considered honorable in his ways. Instead of keeping his wealth to himself, “Arthur rewarded his knights and servants generously with land.” (Rosenburg, Pg. 439) A hero is not just someone who fights battles; heroes are also just and fair and are loyal to their people. King Arthur slides into this persona easily. This conveyed a message to society that those who behave honorably will be the ones who are rewarded with wealth and lands. Above all else British society at this time demanded loyalty from everyone from the greatest of kings to the lowliest of