Is King Arthur really the embodiment of the 6th century British society’s values and beliefs? This mythical king is a legendary ruler, saving Britain from the Saxons and many more adversaries. Pulling the sword from the stone, he proves to his countrymen that he is the true king of Britain. Many believe that King Arthur and his knights represent all the values that the British cared for deeply. Britain's main values of bravery, loyalty, and honor are strongly represented by the King and the Knights of the Round Table. King Arthur is able to become such a great knight and a strong leader through his bravery.
One important aspect of Arthur and his knights characters was bravery, as it brings out most people’s inner strength. The British strongly value this, advocating it many times in their stories. When fighting the giant, Arthur proclaims to his men, “No matter what blows I may suffer, …show more content…
Being honorable is important for preserving the spirit and dignity of the knights, so they do not act in shame. When the war between King Arthur and Lancelot starts, Lancelot refuses to battle his own king. In turn, Sir Gawain taunts him, time over time in an attempt to goad him out to combat. With numerous insults, “Sir Lancelot is forced to leave his castle and fight for his good name” due to Sir Gawain’s disrespect, tainting Lancelot’s reputation. By leaving the castle and battling the King and Gawain, Lancelot preserves his integrity and honor, thus keeping the respect of his fellow knights and lords.
King Arthur, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table, symbolise the values and beliefs of the British society through their honorable ways, their strong loyalties, and their unwavering bravery. These traits shaped the history of Britain, changing the way future Kings lived and ruled. If not for King Arthur, the Britain we know today could have very well been a shadow of what we have