Excerpts from Le Morte d'Arthur

Study Notes

Vocabulary and Terms

Adder: Refers to various species of snakes that can be either venomous or non-venomous, typically similar to vipers.
Everuch: An archaic term meaning "each one," often used to denote individuals within a group.
Foining: The action of thrusting with a pointed weapon, commonly associated with combat techniques in medieval warfare.
Devoir: Represents a responsibility or duty that an individual is expected to fulfill; significant in the context of knighthood and chivalry.
Jesu: The Middle English form of "Jesus," reflective of the religious influences prevalent in Arthurian narratives.
Fathom: Measurement unit equal to six feet, often used in nautical contexts, essential for understanding distances in related tales.
Swoon: In this context, it can refer to fainting or losing consciousness, but can also imply a taint or blemish, highlighting themes of purity and honor.
Yede: An older form of the past tense of "go," illustrating the evolution of language over time.
Pillers: A term for robbers or thieves, indicating the presence of lawlessness and danger in the Arthurian setting.
Rede: Means "advise" or "counsel," crucial to the decision-making processes of characters in quests and battles.
Pommel: The knob located at the hilt of a sword, significant both as a physical object and as a symbol of authority and martial prowess.

Contextual Importance

These terms are essential for understanding Le Morte d'Arthur and its depiction of chivalric ideals, combat, and social dynamics.
Language reflects the cultural and historical settings of the Arthurian Legend, illustrating the medieval worldview and the importance of honor, faith, and duty.
The interplay of these concepts informs the narrative structure and character motivations, enriching the legendary tales of King Arthur and his knights.

Vocabulary from Le Morte d'Arthur

Adder: Refers to both venomous and non-venomous snakes, commonly resembling the viper.
Everuch: An archaic term meaning 'each one' or 'every one'.
Foining: Describes the action of thrusting with a pointed weapon, significant in combat situations.
Devoir: Represents a duty or responsibility that an individual holds.
Jesu: The Middle English form of 'Jesus', indicating its historical and religious significance in the text.
Fathom: A unit of measurement equal to six feet, often used in nautical contexts.
Swoon: In this context refers to a type of taint or emotional overwhelming, differing from its modern meaning of fainting.
Yede: The simple past tense of 'go', illustrating the text's archaic language style.
Pillers: A term describing those who take booty, equivalent to robbers, highlighting themes of theft and violence in the narrative.
Rede: A historical term for advice, emphasizing the importance of counsel throughout the story.
Pommel: The knob located at the hilt of a sword, crucial for both grip and balance in sword fighting.

Description

Explore key excerpts from 'Le Morte d'Arthur' by Sir Thomas Malory. This quiz focuses on terminology and concepts found within the Arthurian Legend, enhancing your understanding of the text and its historical context.