Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory

Summary

Le Morte d'Arthur, written by Sir Thomas Malory in the 15th century, is one of the most famous and influential retellings of the Arthurian legend. This epic work compiles various tales of King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table into a comprehensive narrative of chivalry, romance, and tragedy. First published in 1485, Le Morte d'Arthur has inspired countless adaptations across literature, film, and popular culture, while its exploration of honor, loyalty, and the downfall of Camelot continues to resonate with readers.

Plot

Consisting of eight tales, Le Morte d'Arthur begins when young Arthur becomes ruler of Britain after pulling the sword from the stone. Devoted to honor and chivalry, King Arthur establishes the Knights of the Round Table at Camelot and marries Guinevere. The knights embark on various quests, including the search for the Holy Grail. Meanwhile, Arthur's most celebrated knight, Lancelot, engages in a forbidden romance with Queen Guinevere.

Arthur's illegitimate son Mordred eventually reveals Lancelot and Guinevere's affair, leading to conflict. Lancelot flees and Arthur wages war against him in France. While Arthur is away, Mordred seizes the throne. Arthur returns to Britain to fight Mordred, culminating in a final battle where they mortally wound each other. As he is dying, Arthur commands Sir Bedivere to throw Excalibur into a lake. A mysterious hand emerges to catch the sword before it hits the water. Arthur is then taken away on a barge to the isle of Avalon.

Le Morte d'Arthur concludes with the deaths of Guinevere, Lancelot, and other key characters in the aftermath of Arthur's passing. Malory portrays the end of Arthur's reign and the downfall of the ideals of chivalry embodied by the Knights of the Round Table.

Setting

Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur takes place in a fantastical version of medieval Britain and France during an unspecified time period. While the Arthurian legends are traditionally set in the 5th and 6th centuries, Malory's retelling contains many anachronisms and makes no attempt at historical accuracy. The world depicted is that of the High to Late Middle Ages, with armored knights, grand castles, and chivalric codes of honor replacing the post-Roman warriors and forts of the original Celtic myths.Geographically, most of the action occurs in England. Key locations include Camelot, Arthur's capital, which is equated with Winchester. Other British settings mentioned include Astolat (Guildford) and the island of Avalon. The narrative also ventures to France, referred to as “Gaul," as well as more distant locales like Rome and the mystical realm of Sarras. Malory replaces the Saxon invaders of earlier tellings with Ottoman Turks as the pagan enemies threatening Arthur's Christian kingdom.Within this pseudo-historical backdrop, Malory weaves in elements of fantasy and Arthurian legend. Magical islands, enchanted forests, and Merlin's supernatural abilities exist alongside the medieval courts and battlefields. The landscape is populated by not only noble knights and ladies but also by giants, fairies, and mythical creatures like the Questing Beast. This blending of the historical and fantastical creates a rich, romanticized setting that has captivated readers for centuries and come to epitomize the world of Arthurian legend.