Knights of the Round Table and Western Society

1. Was there a real King Arthur? Explain your answer.
It is unclear whether King Arthur actually ever existed. There are many accounts of this so called “King”, but there isn’t any historical evidence that proves this to be fact.
2. Is King Arthur a hero? Why or why not? Use the information from the unit to help you explain your response.
I do think the vision of King Arthur is somewhat heroic. The masses sometimes need nothing more than morale, which is what the story of this hero provides.
3. Choose one of the stages of the hero's journey as described in the unit. Describe how the legend of King Arthur illustrates this stage. Write at least one paragraph.
Meeting the Mentor: King Arthur meets his teacher, Merlin, the one who reveals Arthur's destiny to him. He begins to learn many useful skills and lessons and what is to come to his kingdom. He also leads him to the enchanted lake where Arthur receives the mighty Excalibur. Throughout Arthur's journey, Merlin gives him necessary wisdom for his survival. 4. If heroes are a reflection of "who we are as a culture and as people," what does King Arthur reflect? What traits does he show that Western society values?
King Arthur reflects the good. He reflects what the people want in their culture, a paragon, or doer of good things. I think that is what Western society wants. Something to look up to and strive towards.
5. What was the "Round Table"? Why is it important to the legend of King Arthur? What did it symbolize?
The “Round Table” symbolized the unity in people. The vision that we could form together as one. The symbol is important to the legend, because that’s what the culture wanted, to be one.
6. Who was Lancelot? How did he fit into the Arthurian legends?
Sir Lancelot is regarded as the first and greatest of King Arthur's legendary knights. He fit into the legends for that reason, he was the first and the greatest of the other knights.
7. What was the Holy Grail? What role does it play in the King Arthur legends?
The Holy Grail is usually considered to be the cup from which Christ drank at the Last Supper and the vessel used by Joseph of Arimathea to catch his blood as he hung on the cross. The importance comes from the many adventures and many years, the Knights of the Round Table crossed Britain from one end to another in their search for it, but Perceval discovered it .
8. Why do you think the King Arthur legends have been so popular throughout history? Explain your response.
Throughout history society and their cultures have craved something too good to be true. King Arthur is one of those, a tale too good to be true. He is a vision of what we all want.