Comparing King Arthur And Sir Lancelot

King Arthur

Throughout time people have faced challenges with their love lives. Some must choose between what is right and what some may want. In the legends of King Arthur, many decisions must be made that may affect the future of Camelot, Arthur’s kingdom. Many versions of Arthur’s story can be ream or viewed on film. One specific movie called, “The First Knight,” is a portrayal of the famous love triangle between King Arthur, his wife Lady Guinevere and the mysterious Sir Lancelot. Similarities between this movie and some readings are apparent. One is, although Guinevere has a secret affair with Sir Lancelot, she did love King Arthur and had not just used him for the privileges that came with marrying him. Also, in bother versions, Lancelot is said to be the most powerful knight and
becomes Arthur’s first knight. Lancelot’s chivalry in the movie is seen when he respects Guinevere when he tells her that he shall not kiss her again until she asks him to. He keeps his word, but when he does kiss her, he is breaking a knight’s code by cheating with another man’s wife. It’s worse though, because Arthur was the king and also Lancelot’s friend. Another similarity is the trust King Arthur has in Lancelot. He never suspects his wife and his best knight are romantically involved. Even more vast is the differences between “The First Knight,” and the text version. In the movie, Lancelot isn’t searching to become a knight, the opportunity falls into his lap after he saves Guinevere from Malagant. Guinevere speaks up and explains to the king and the Knights of the Round Table that Lancelot doesn’t stay in one place, he travels and does as he pleases. She is surprised when he accepts to become a knight and he is staying so he can stay with Guinevere because he loves her. When King Arthur finds out about Lancelot and Guinevere, he makes a hard decision to let them go or have them punished. In the text, Guinevere is set to be killed but Lancelot comes along and saves her. But in the movie, Arthur decides to let the court decide and hold a trial in front of all the people of Camelot. This is where the main differences evolve. During the trial, Malagant and his men surround all the people with weapons. Arthur’s biggest decision is here, Malagant tells the King that he must bow down to him or else Camelot shall fall. What is surprising is that the King never gives up and tells the people Camelot Will never fall as he is shot with many arrows. Previously, Arthur was unsure of Guinevere’s love for him after he found her in Lancelot’s arms. She claimed she loved both men and as he was dying, in her eyes Arthur saw the love she had for him was real. The biggest difference in the movie and other stories is Arthur gives Excalibur to Lancelot and tells him to take care of Guinevere. In the text, Lancelot never receives Excalibur and becomes king. It is said that Guinevere and Lancelot’s love brought down the kingdom but Camelot doesn’t fall, it lives on under Lancelot. In the movie, “The First Knight,” Guinevere’s love for Arthur is genuine. Her father was a friend of his and they knew each other for many years. Guinevere and Arthur have memories of when she was younger. The age difference is much greater between them than other versions but their love is real and filled with happiness. Part of her motivation for marrying may have come from somewhere else as well. The people of her community were being attacked by Malagant and his men. By marrying Arthur she was ensured protection for them, even though the King told her they would still give protection without her as queen. Another portrayal of her love for King Arthur is seen when she tries to resist Lancelot many times but her undying love for him will not allow them to be kept apart. The movie “Excalibur” is much different in many aspects. Guinevere’s motivation for marrying King Arthur is similar. Before Arthur was fully accepted as king she saw him fighting and trying to protect his people. He had a charm about him that made the stubborn knights accept his ruling. Once Guinevere and Arthur came to know each other, their love was apparent. She admired his courage and was greatly attracted to him before Lancelot. Guinevere severely hurt Arthur when her secret love with Lancelot was unveiled.
Some may agree that Guinevere was a bad wife for cheating on Arthur but she could not control how she felt, she could only control where her feelings led her. Personally, I understand how Guinevere could love both Arthur and Lancelot. She must have felt horrible though. In my opinion, Arthur must have felt worse. He felt betrayed by his best knight and his only true love. As king, he had many other problems to deal with and now his wife hurt him so badly. The text showed an angrier side to Arthur than the movie. In “The First Knight,” Arthur was mad but he was more filled with sorrow. The most difficult choice he had to make in his love life was whether he should abide by the law and kill both Guinevere and Lancelot, or set them free. In the movie, he decides to hold a trial and wants the court to decide what should become of them. He wanted to show his people he stands by his laws and no one is an exception. I cannot imagine what thoughts must have been running though King Arthur’s head. In the movie, through all the drama he managed to help Camelot continue to
flourish. The decisions people make can affect everything around them. In the legends of King Arthur, love, lust and revenge are viewed to be very powerful. The outcomes of ones actions based on these may help or hurt. Either way, one must think the consequences through before it’s too late.