Le Morte D'Arthur Characters Overview

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Questions and Answers

Who is the mother of King Arthur?

Morgan le Fay

Lady of the Lake

Igraine (correct)

Guinevere

What event is often attributed as a catalyst for the downfall of the Round Table?

The affair between Guinevere and Lancelot (correct)

The betrayal of Merlin

The quest for Excalibur

Mordred's birth

Which character is known for predicting the downfall of the Round Table?

Sir Kay

Merlin (correct)

Sir Ector

Mordred

Which character is known as the greatest knight of King Arthur's realm?

Sir Lancelot Signup and view all the answers

What tragic relationship exists between Mordred and King Arthur?

Mordred is King Arthur's illegitimate child Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary principle of the Code of Chivalry regarding treatment of women?

To never force ladies, gentlewomen, or widows Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with an Arthurian Legend?

The concept of a utopian society Signup and view all the answers

According to the Code of Chivalry, what is one obligation knights have?

To give mercy to those who ask for it Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the type of hero in Arthurian Legends?

A chivalric hero often faced with moral dilemmas Signup and view all the answers

What does the Code of Chivalry say regarding treason?

Knights should always flee from treason Signup and view all the answers

What common theme is found in the background of Arthurian Legends?

The hero often starts as a peasant with a secret background Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements aligns with the idea of a knight's conduct in combat?

Knights should avoid battles over trivial matters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following principles is part of the Code of Chivalry?

To never commit acts of extreme violence Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the author of Le Morte D'Arthur?

Sir Thomas Malory Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'He who pulls out the sword of this stone and anvil is right wise king born of all England'?

It signifies the rightful king of England. Signup and view all the answers

What main theme does Malory attempt to revive in Le Morte D'Arthur?

The social codes of the Middle Ages Signup and view all the answers

How many books are included in Le Morte D'Arthur?

21 Signup and view all the answers

What year was Le Morte D'Arthur first published?

1485 Signup and view all the answers

Who was King Arthur's mother?

Igraine Signup and view all the answers

What role did Uther Pendragon play in Arthur's upbringing?

He sent Arthur to be raised by Sir Ector. Signup and view all the answers

What is the collective theme of the Arthurian Legend?

The tales of King Arthur and his knights Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Excerpts from Le Morte D’Arthur

Le Morte D’ Artur is a collection of legends that was written between 1460-1470 and published in 1485.
The text was written by Sir Thomas Malory, an English writer who attempted to revive the social codes of the Middle Ages.
The text is divided into 21 books, and its popularity in England and France reflects its historical importance to the Arthurian Legend.

Characters

King Arthur: He is the High King of Britain who united a fractured kingdom to unify England. He established Camelot, the Knights, and the Round Table. He was the son of Uther Pendragon and Igraine but had no children with his wife, Guinevere.
King Uther Pendragon: He was the High King of England and King Arthur's father. He ruled before Arthur and was married to Arthur's mother Igraine.
Igraine: She was the mother of King Arthur, Morgan le Fay, Margawse, and Elaine. She was first married to the Duke of Cornwall before marrying King Uther Pendragon.
Merlin: He is a powerful sorcerer who was King Arthur's advisor. Although he once helped Arthur, he predicted the downfall of the Round Table.
Guinevere: She was King Arthur's wife and Sir Lancelot's lover. Her relationship with Lancelot contributed to the downfall of the Round Table causing her to become an abbess.
The Knights of the Round Table: They are the greatest knights in King Arthur's kingdom, who lived in King Arthur's castle, Camelot.
Sir Ector: He was King Arthur's foster father.
Sir Kay: He was King Arthur's foster brother and the seneschal of England.
Sir Lancelot: He was one of the greatest Knights of the Round Table and Arthur's most loyal knight. His affair with Guinevere contributed to the destruction of Camelot and the Round Table.
Mordred: He was the son of King Arthur and his half-sister Margawse. He was the man who killed King Arthur, which led to the end of the Round Table.
Lady of the Lake: She was a mystical figure who gave King Arthur his sword, Excalibur.

Code of Chivalry

Knights must never commit murder or treason.
Knights must show mercy to those who ask for it.
Knights must assist women, especially ladies, widows, and gentlewomen.
Knights must not use force against ladies, gentlewomen, or widows.
Knights must not engage in fights only for love or worldly goods.

Characteristics of an Arthurian Legend

The legend often features a peasant or commoner who has a secret background.
It has elements of prophecies.
The legend revolves around a chivalric hero.
The legend has elements of supernatural resources.

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Description

Explore the key characters in 'Le Morte D'Arthur' by Sir Thomas Malory. This quiz delves into the lives and relationships of iconic figures like King Arthur, Uther Pendragon, and Igraine. Test your knowledge on their roles in the Arthurian Legend and their historical significance.