Rick Reads The Life's Work of an English Teacher

Le Morte d’Arthur

Le Morte d’Arthur: Daily Plans

Daily lesson plans pair reading assignments with study questions, answers, and classroom activities.

By Rick Reed

Le Morte d'Arthur Thomas Malory Arthurian legend

Day 2

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 21-43 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

“Merlin” (pp. 21-43)

1. Summarize the story of Arthur’s birth - include the roles played by Uther, Igraine, Ector, and - of course - Merlin.

Uther falls in love with Igraine, the wife of the Duke of Tintagil, at a council of reconciliation between her husband and Uther, a meeting Uther has arranged in order to meet Igraine. She suspects the truth and advises her husband to leave with her immediately. Enraged, Uther re-declares war and lays siege to the castle Terrabyl, but the war stands at a stalemate. Sick with love, Uther seeks the aid of Merlin who agrees to help if Uther promises to give him the child Igraine will bear. Because Merlin’s enchantment makes Uther appear to be the Duke, Igraine receives him and conceives Arthur that night. The Duke, meanwhile, raids Uther’s camp and is killed - three hours before Uther’s tryst with Igraine. Nevertheless, Igraine reconciles with Uther and marries him thirteen days later [an ominous number that foreshadows ill fortune]. Once her pregnancy begins to show, Uther reveals his stratagems. Interestingly, the revelation overjoys Igraine (probably because it legitimizes her unborn child or because it proves she has not slept with a ghost or demon). When Arthur is born, he is given to Merlin who takes him to Sir Ector to foster.

What problems might such an origin engender? [Yes, I expect you to look up engender and any other words in the book or the study guide that are not already a part of your vocabulary!]

Such an origin carries the taint of lust, adultery, and illegitimacy. The fosterage will also make it difficult to prove Arthur to be Uther’s heir.

He sets up his first capital in his foes’ land (the West - Caerleon).

He is brave in battle (31).

He is loyal to his allies (35).

He defies the Emperor Lucius (40).

List concrete details that demonstrate Arthur’s kingly virtues.

He knows whose advice to follow. [If students see Arthur’s reliance on Merlin as a weakness, have them read the first full paragraph on p. 28 and note that his other councillors offer poor advice.]

He possesses military prowess.

He inspires the commoners to follow him.

He uses tact (29).

List concrete details that demonstrate Arthur’s weaknesses.

He gives into his lust readily (35 & 36).

He charges off rashly (40).

In what three ways is Arthur’s right to the throne validated?

1) He pulls the sword from the stone [mystical approval].

2) The common people rally to him [democratic approval].

3) His prowess overwhelms his foes [military approval].

[In addition to details of actions and events, be sure to consider the roles of Sanam, King Pellinore, and Margawse in Arthur’s life.]

SANAM: Arthur’s first love, mother of his illegitimate son, she brings out one of Arthur’s weaknesses: he cannot control his lust when he is young.

KING PELLINORE: Arthur’s first encounter with Pellinore demonstrates the young king’s rashness despite advice to be careful. Arthur behaves like Odysseus before his descent into the Underworld when he challenges Pellinore. However, later, Pellinore becomes a trusted advisor, bringing out Arthur’s kingly virtue of listening to wise counsel.

MARGAWSE: In his illicit affair with his half-sister, Arthur demonstrates once more his lack of self-control over lust.

3. List concrete details that demonstrate Merlin’s personality, attitudes, and values.

Merlin possesses foresight as seen in his comment that his taking Arthur will benefit Uther more than it does himself.

His disguising of Uther proves his magical power.

His commitment to making Arthur king points to his patience.

He is persuasive as is witnessed by his raising of a French army for Arthur (29).

He is a strategist as seen in his conveying of that army to Arthur (29-31).

He is far from bloodthirsty, advising self-control even in war (34).

He supports the just treatment of allies (34-35).

He is, however, also a trickster or prankster (35).

He has a sense of honor (42).

He can be cold-blooded - as when he advises the killing of innocents to accomplish the death of Modred [Arthur’s illegitimate son/nephew] (43).

[Merlin makes many prophecies. If any student asks about them, here is a complete list.

Arthur will earn great homage (27)

Do not use the magic sword until absolutely necessary (27).

Continue to fight the eleven kings today and they will win (34).

Arthur will defeat Ban and Bors’ enemies (34).

Balan and Balin will defeat the eleven kings (36).

Arthur’s kingdom will fall to Modred (38).

Modred will kill Arthur (38).

Merlin will be buried alive (38).

Pellinore will serve Arthur and marry Arthur’s sister (41).

Pellinore’s two sons - Percivale and Lamerok - will become Round Table knights (41).]

READING FOR DETAIL - IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING:

DUKE OF TINTAGIL - Igraine’s first husband; Uther’s enemy

ULFIUS - Uther’s officer

ELAYNE - Igraine’s sister; King Nentres’ wife

MORGAN LE FEY - Igraine’s daughter; Arthur’s half-sister; a witch

KAY - Arthur’s foster-brother and seneschal

KING BAN - Arthur’s French ally; the father of Sir Launcelot

KING BORS - Arthur’s French ally; the brother of King Ban

KING LOT - husband of Margawse (Igraine’s sister); Arthur’s chief enemy

BORRE - Arthur’s bastard son by Sanam

KING LODEGREAUNCE - Gwynevere’s father; Arthur’s ally

QUESTING BEAST - Pellinore’s goal in life

GRYFFLETTE - sent to punish Pellinore for killing a knight

KING ROYNS - one of Arthur’s enemies

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 44-68 and prepare the study questions.

Day 3

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 44 - 68 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

“Balin, or the Knight with the Two Swords” (pp. 43-57)

Balin beheads the Lady of Avalon (45).

Merlin prophesies that Balin will render Arthur great service but also that he will kill the brother of the lady from whom he got the sword - then himself be destroyed (46).

Balin slays Lanceor; shortly thereafter Lanceor’s beloved happens by and kills herself in grief.

Merlin prophesies that because Balin did not save the maiden he will "strike the most fateful blow since that struck at our Saviour: three kingdoms will be laid waste for twelve years, and an honorable king incurably wounded.

Balin and Balan capture King Royns (49).

Merlin foretells Nero’s advance (49).

Balin slays Sir Garlot and takes some of his blood and wounds King Pellam with the Spear of Destiny, thus laying waste the three adjacent kingdoms for twelve years and leaving Pellam with a wound that will remain unhealed until Galahad cures it (53).

Merlin warns Balin to move on.

Balin witnesses Garnysh’s beheading of his beloved and her lover (54).

Merlin tries to warn Balin away from the Castle of the Island (55).

Balin slays his own brother, Balan (56).

Merlin creates a mystic tombstone for Balin’s grave (56).

[In addition, Merlin makes the following prophecies and performs the listed miracles in the succeeding pages.]

Merlin prophesies that Launcelot and Tristram will one day fight each other on the spot where Balin slew Lanceor.

Merlin prophesies that he will tell Mark things he does not want to hear (48).

Merlin prophesies that King Royns will approach on his way to a tryst with the Lady of Vaunce (48).

Merlin had prophesied Royns’ capture of Arthur (49).

Merlin foretells the advance of Royns’ brother Nero (49).

Merlin transports himself to Lot (49).

Merlin prophesies to Arthur that…

Merlin creates the bed that drives sleepers mad (56).

Merlin repairs Balin’s sword and places it irremovably in its scabbard (56) and then prophesies that…

only Launcelot or Galahad will ever withdraw it, and

Launcelot will kill Gawain with it.

He builds a bridge that only knights "of unexampled purity could cross " (56).

The question is OPEN, but the answer is probably that he is not pure.

Is Arthur justified by the code of chivalry in his exiling of Sir Balin?

Arthur is justified because Balin had dishonored a woman, violating the code of chivalry.

Does Sir Balin try to live by the code of chivalry?

Apparently, Balin attempts to live by the code but not consistently.

The question is OPEN. Merlin manipulates events, but he seems to do so as an agent of destiny - or, perhaps, God.

King Pellinore’s slaying of King Lot begets Gawain’s desire for revenge on Pellinore and his family.

Most of Arthur’s efforts at unification lead to vengeance. One theme of the Le Morte D’Arthur seems to be the futility inherent in the code of chivalry that begets violence.

READING FOR DETAIL - IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING:

LADY OF AVALON - the lady who gives Arthur Excalibur

KING MARK - king of Cornwall

GARLOT - the invisible knight

THE SICK PRINCESS - a noblewoman who suffers an illness that can be treated only by the blood of maidens; she is destined to be cured only when she receives the blood of Percival’s sister

KING PELLAM - the descendant of Joseph of Arimathea whom Balin wounds and thereby destroys three kingdoms and leaves a wound that can only be cured by Galahad

THE RED KNIGHT - the anonymous knight whom Balin slays only to learn the man is his brother Balan

“Torre and Pellinore” (pp. 57-69)

1. Summarize the wedding of King Arthur. Include all pertinent names, circumstances, events, gifts, and prophecies.

Merlin warns Arthur that Gwynevere is destined to love Launcelot, leading to many disasters (57).

Her father, Lodegreaunce, gives Arthur the Round Table and one hundred knights as a wedding gift (58). Merlin finds an additional twenty-eight knights. By magic the name of each knight appears in gold letters at his seat. In addition, one chair bears the title SIEGE PERELOUS, and the chairs on either side remain blank (58).

Arthur proclaims that all petitions made on the day of the celebration will be granted; Gawain receives his knighthood, as does Torre, foster son of a cowherd named Aryes and true son of King Pellinore (58-59).

Following the mysterious appearance of a brachet (a lady’s dog) chasing a white hart and of a maiden chasing the dog, the maiden is abruptly abducted. Arthur sends Gawain to retrieve the hart, Torre to retrieve the brachet and to capture or kill the knight who stole it, and Pellinore to retrieve the lady and to capture or kill her captor (60).

Torre shows an unswerving loyalty to his king, viewing the first challenge to joust as idle play and answering anyone who challenges his right to the brachet by saying he is on a quest set him by his liege (63-4).

Torre offers mercy to Sir Abellyus until the lady bids him execute the villain for his cravenly murder of her brother - thus honoring women and eschewing murder in the same act (64-5).

What chivalric values are made evident by their absence in Gawain’s and Pellinore’s actions.

From on horseback, Gawain slays Sir Alardyne who is on foot (61). Gawain beheads an innocent woman while he tries to mercilessly behead a knight (61-2). Each of these events counters the chivalric requirement to show mercy; the last shows disregard for women (65).

Pellinore ignores the pleas of Alyne; his unconcern results in her death as well as the death of her lover (65-6).

Both Gawain and Pellinore dishonor women. Pellinore suffers doubly because the woman whose death he could have averted was his daughter and because his negligence brings down a parallel curse on himself.

READING FOR DETAIL - IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING:

ARYES - Torre’s foster father

ALYNE - Pellinore’s daughter

LADY OF THE RULE - Alyne’s mother

NYNEVE - woman rescued by Pellinore

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 69-94 and prepare the study questions.

Day 4

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 69 - 94 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

“The War of the Five Kings” (pp. 69-73)

1. Why does Merlin not resist or avert his own destiny?

Merlin is in love. Just as love blinds Arthur to Merlin’s prophecy, it blinds Merlin to his own foresight (69).

Like Cassandra in the Agamemnon, he seems unable or unwilling to resist the fate he himself foresees. She is, of course, the only woman he could love since she is as magical as he (69-70).

As the queen, Gwynevere would no doubt be taken prisoner. She would then be used in such a way that most embarrassed the former king, Arthur - whether he still lived or not. She might be married off to one of the conquerors, outraged, or killed.

[It is worth noting here that Sir Kay shows the greatest valor in his desire to take on the five kings and in his willingness to attack two of them himself. Gryfflet demonstrates obedience in unquestioningly charging one of the kings (70-72). Gawain shows the greatest cowardice in his statement that four against five is unfavorable odds. Arthur demonstrates military competence when he concludes that the kings’ deaths will dispirit their army.]

What promise does Gwynevere make Kay?

Pellinore suggests… (72)

King Uryens - husband of Morgan le Fey, father of Uwayne, and a former enemy

Sir Hervyse de Revell - nothing

Sir Galagar - nothing

King of the Lake - nothing

Sir Gawain - Arthur’s nephew, Margawse and Lot’s son, unchivalrous on his first quest

Sir Gryfflet - jousted with Pellinore

Sir Kay - Arthur’s foster brother, royal seneschal, very brave in warfare

Sir Bagdemagus - nothing except that begin overlooked offends him but inspires him to impress Arthur; he is the last to speak to Merlin

Sir Torre - son of Pellinore, most chivalrous of the knights in the third chapter

“Arthur and Accolon” (pp. 73-81)

1. What is the situation between Damas and Outlake?

Sir Damas has wrongfully usurped his brother Sir Outlake’s estates after their father’s death. [Clearly, Damas is the elder brother.] (74)

Arthur sees an opportunity to free the twenty other prisoners (74).

What moral value lies behind that decision?

Arthur values justice and freedom; he resists tyranny. He values resistance over passivity. Above all, he values his word - his honor (74).

[Arthur is Damas’ reluctant champion while Accolon fight for Outlake. Ironically, the king finds himself fighting on behalf of a villain, while Accolon fights for a man in the right.]

How does Arthur emphasize that value in his reply to Accolon’s demand that he yield?

Despite his mortal predicament, Arthur would rather die than break [his] oath."

How does Arthur emphasize that value in his treatment of Accolon after the fight?

Arthur chooses to believe even a traitor may possess some honor - that if he tells a truth that harms him, then the statement in his favor must also be true (77).

Morgan le Fey

How is her message at the bottom of p. 75 ironic?

She is Arthur’s rescuer (76-77).

What role does Nyneve play in this episode?

Nyneve seemed cruel to Merlin, but now she shows genuine concern in the welfare of Camelot and of Arthur. She has taken over the role formerly played by Merlin.

Nyneve is a powerful sorceress - just as Morgan is. However, Nyneve is “other-oriented” while Morgan is motivated by selfishness.

He decrees that Damas must suffer the humiliation of paying tribute to Outlake while riding on a lady’s horse (78).

He spares her only because she swears an oath that the devil must have possessed her.

What moral value underlies that decision?

Uwayne expresses both the medieval respect for women and the special respect due to a family member.

READING FOR DETAIL - IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING:

DAMAS - the wicked knight who steals his brother’s estate and captures knights errant to fight his brother

OUTLAKE - Damas’s good brother

Uryens - husband of Morgan le Fey, father of Uwayne

UWAYNE - Uryens’ and Morgan’s son

“Gawain, Uwayne, and Marhaus” (pp. 81-94)

Arthur bases his decision on Accolon’s information that Morgan le Fey intended to murder her husband Uryens too. [Yet, Arthur implies that Morgan became vindictive toward him only after she married Uryens, a former enemy of the king.] (82) Since he knows nothing of Uwayne’s stopping Morgan from killing Uryens in his sleep (78-9), he remains suspicious of the young knight (82).

Why does Gawain accompany Uwayne?

Gawain declares, “whoever banishes my cousin banishes me too.” (82) He apparently feels some family loyalty. [Of course, he has also recently suffered the humbling disapproval of Gwynevere of his treatment of women. Perhaps, he sees an opportunity to escape for a while.]

Gawain bases his belief that Marhaus must respect women on the fact that he once defeated all comers at a tournament (82).

Still, is he right? Explain.

Marhaus does respect women. In fact, he suffers the abuse of his shield - rather than stop the women - for love of a woman (83).

Gawain’s strength increases through the morning until noon when it reaches triple that of a normal man (83). [Only Launcelot, Tristram, Bors, Gaynes, Percivale, and Pelleas ever beat him at his peak.]

What is Marhaus’ most chivalrous reason for ending his battle with Gawain?

To continue would lead to death - a wrongful act when they have no rightful quarrel but are only testing each other’s strength (83).

How is the outcome of their battle like that of the battle between Gilgamesh and Enkidu?

Like Gilgamesh and Enkidu, they become friends (84).

Why does Marhaus treat Gawain and Uwayne especially well - even going with them?

He wishes to impress them because they are Arthur’s relatives (84).

Uwayne chooses the sixty-year-old because, as the youngest, he stands most in need of her wisdom and experience (84).

Marhaus gives no reason. [Perhaps she is closest to him in age.] (84)

Gawain chooses the fifteen-year-old because she is the youngest and most beautiful (85). [She soon leaves him, regarding him as a coward for not defending Sir Pelleas.]

Gawain sleeps with Ettarde (88); he also breaks his promise to return to Pelleas in twenty-four hours (89).

Why does Pelleas not kill Gawain and Ettarde?

His sense of honor forbids him to kill them in their sleep (89).

Who is more chivalrous?

Clearly, Pelleas is more chivalrous. He suffers humiliation for love of a lady, and he refuses an ideal chance to avenge himself on both of them.

What is the outcome of the story for Pelleas? For Ettarde?

Pelleas come to see Ettarde as the vilest of women after she begins to see him as talluring of men - all due to spells cast on them by Nyneve. Ettarde dies of a broken heart, but Pelleas falls in love with Nyneve, his destined love (90).

Is the ending just?

This is an OPEN QUESTION. It is a fine example of poetic justice.

Hospitality and generosity, honorably extended - despite antipathy (90).

What value does Marhaus’ decision to fight the giant on foot and his refusal of half of the Earl Fergus’s estate illustrate?

Fighting the giant on foot illustrates an honorable sense of fairness - even with those who enjoy an unfair advantage. His refusal to accept the lands indicates his moderation.

Uwayne shows knightly prowess in the tournament (93), respect for women when he champions the Lady of the Roch (93), courage in agreeing to fight Sir Hew and Sir Edwarde together (93), and mercy in sparing Hew (94).

How are matters left between Gawain and Pelleas for the rest of their lives?

Pelleas never can forgive Gawain and takes every opportunity in tournaments to make him suffer (94).

[Doom continues in the predictions regarding Marhaus’ destiny (94).]

READING FOR DETAIL - IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING:

PELLEAS - loves Ettarde who rejects him; becomes Nyneve’s love

CARADOS - one of the knights Gawain fights

ETTARDE - Pelleas’ love whom Gawain seduces

EDWARDE & HEW - brothers troubling a noblewoman

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 95-117 and prepare the study questions.

Day 5

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 95 - 117 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

THE TALE OF KING ARTHUR AND THE EMPEROR LUCIUS (pp. 95-117)

KINGLY QUALIFICATIONS

He controls (but does not conceal) his anger (95).

He stands up to those who would cast him - and his kingdom - in an inferior role (95)

His sternness inspires fear in outsiders (95).

He consults with his councilors and vassals before making a decision, encouraging each to speak frankly (96).

He is unafraid of imperial threats (97-8).

He is wealthy, refined, and mighty (98).

He is convincing (98).

He divides the wealth of the Giant of Geen equally among his followers (102).

He inspires his knights to valorous deeds (104).

He employs the best surgeons for his soldiers (110).

He recognizes the expertise of subordinates (111).

He forbids his troops to plunder conquered towns (116).

HEROIC QUALIFICATIONS

He is eager to win wealth and glory for Britain in war (96).

He is unafraid of imperial threats (97-8).

He inspires awe in his enemies (98).

He slays the Giant of Geen on St. Michael’s Mount (101-2).

His is generous (102).

He attributes credit for his victory to God, not to himself (102)

He has charisma (104).

He avenges Kay (109).

What are his claims to the Roman emperorship?

British kings, Arthur’s ancestors, have themselves been Roman emperors.

What actions and attributes actually justify his taking that title?

The loyalty he commands recalls that of Julius Caesar.

His generosity with the wealth he won by defeating the Giant of Geen on St. Michael’s Mount is typical of the greatest of the Roman emperors (101-2).

He kills Lucius (109).

His armies conquer the Roman territories in Western Europe.

Arthur’s vassals rally loyally to Arthur in his stand against the emperor.

Arthur loyally takes vengeance for the wounding of Kay. Gwynevere expresses love for and loyalty to Arthur (99-117).

The Giant of Geen knows no loyalty except to himself. Sir Priamus switches sides.

Malory asserts that women are to be protected and honored.

About the improper treatment of women?

Those who mistreat women must be punished; for example, the Giant of Geen on St. Michael’s Mount must pay for his outrage.

[The intervention of the duchess of the Tuscan city also points out the power of women.]

4. Compare/contrast Gawain’s and Launcelot’s personalities.

GAWAIN

He is rash, easily insulted [He kills Sir Gaines for criticizing the embassy] (103).

He is distrustful of others (111) and operates on rage, yet he also seeks to win glory and honor for Arthur (113).

He is capable of tears, too (115).

LAUNCELOT

He plots out his actions (105-6).

He is a good strategist.

He intervenes to assist others (106).

He inspires awe and wonder “in ally and foe alike” (106).

He can bear no shame (107).

Christianity is an appealing and powerful religion; Arthur is an appealing and inspiring king.

[Incidentally, what name from Greek mythology parallels that of Priamus?]

Sir Priamus’s name recalls King Priam of Troy.

READING FOR DETAIL - IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING:

LUCIUS - emperor of Rome who demands tribute from Arthur’s kingdom

SARACEN - an Arabic-speaking North African Muslim

CONSTANTINE - Arthur’s near kinsman whom he leaves in charge of Britain while he himself goes off to conquer Western Europe

MOUNT ST. MICHAEL - the cite at which Arthur defeats the Giant of Geen in hand-to-hand combat

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 118-36 and prepare the study questions.

Day 6

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 118 - 136 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

THE TALE OF SIR LAUNCELOT DU LAKE (pp. 118-136)

He has become bored with courtly life. He also yearns for opportunities to use his knightly skills in real combat, not practice (118).

What does his reason suggest about life at court?

Life at court must be quite tame (quite civilized), offering a knight very little reason to put his military skills to use. It also suggests that Camelot is enjoying an unprecedented peace.

Whom does Launcelot ask to accompany him?

His cousin, Sir Lyonel (118)

Morgan le Fey, Queen of Gore, the Queen of North Galys, the Queen of Estelonde, and the Queen of the Outer Isles take him prisoner so that he might choose one of them as his paramour (120).

What “secret” does Morgan know?

She knows of Launcelot and Gwynevere’s mutual love (120).

What choices do they offer him?

He can either take one of them as his mistress or rot in prison (120).

Who frees Launcelot? On what condition?

A noblewoman, the daughter of King Bagdemagus frees Launcelot on the condition that he fight the King of North Galys - along with three of the knights of the Round Table whom he has recently defeated - on her father’s behalf (121).

Why does Launcelot agree to the condition?

Launcelot agrees because Bagdemagus is a good and true knight. Launcelot is obeying the chivalric code that forbids him to engage in a wrongful quarrel (121).

He wounds Belleus after Belleus, mistaking Launcelot for his paramour, enters a pavilion, starts kissing Launcelot, and then pursues the startled knight as he runs from what he believes is another enchantment (121). His swordsmanship demonstrates Launcelot’s knightly prowess.

How does he help him?

Launcelot agrees to recommend Sir Belleus for admission to the Round Table - upon his paramour’s request (122).

What knightly virtues does the promise illustrate?

He demonstrates both mercy and respect for women.

Sir Modred, Sir Madore de la Porte, and Sir Gahalantyne (123)

What knightly skill(s) does Launcelot exhibit in this joust?

Launcelot demonstrates skill with weapons, horsemanship, and prowess (123-4).

What virtue do his parting words to the king’s daughter suggest?

His promise not to fail her if ever she needs his help illustrates his respect for women (124).

Sir Tarquine hates Launcelot because Launcelot killed his brother, Sir Carados of the Dolorous Tower (125).

How does Launcelot end the battle?

Launcelot beheads Tarquine (125).

"Why is it you do not take yourself a wife? (127)

What possible answer does she offer?

She repeats a rumor that he is under Queen Gwynevere’s spell that will allow him to love no other (127).

What is Launcelot’s two-part answer?

If I were married, I would have to attend my lady instead of entering tournaments, going to war, or seeking adventure (127).

If I took a paramour, adultery would sully my purity, which would in turn lessen my prowess - since God does not favor adulterers (127).

His bidding the ladies to take recompense for their imprisonment from the castle’s treasures shows generosity since the spoils of the castle rightfully belong to him. It also shows his respect for women (128).

His request that the castle be restored to its rightful owner demonstrates his sense of justice (128).

[Note that the castle belongs, apparently, to Arthur. It is the castle where he was conceived. Note also Launcelot has slain two giants to Arthur’s one.]

Launcelot feels that if he does not come to Kay’s aid, Kay will die. If Kay dies, Launcelot feels he would be an accomplice to his death by a sin of omission. He also feels the odds of three against one are unjust (129).

How does his behavior compare to that of Gawain’s?

Gawain rarely champions another knight. In fact, he watched as Sir Pelleas was taken away by ten attackers, resulting in the departure of the young noblewoman who accompanied him.

What does Launcelot force the knights to do that they wish not to do? Why?

He bids them return to Camelot as prisoners of Sir Kay. They resist since they believe they could easily have overpowered Kay alone (129).

[Note that Kay once overpowered two knights in serious battle. He might actually have stood a chance against these three.]

Why does Launcelot exchange armor with Kay? What virtue does that act illustrate?

Launcelot’s armor switching allows Kay to make his way back to Camelot unmolested since few would dare to challenge the great Launcelot whom all would believe Kay to be (130). The act demonstrates his selflessness. He fights for what is right, not for what promotes his own ego.

He rides past Sir Gawtere, Sir Raynolde, and Sir Glymere (130). Perhaps, he deliberately antagonizes them in order to practice his skills.

Who do they think he is at first? Why do they change their minds? Why do they decide to fight Launcelot?

Though they believe him to be Kay at first, his size and skill tell them that he is not Kay. They conclude that he is some knight who has killed Kay and taken his armor. They decide to fight him because they feel obligated to avenge their fellow Round Table knight (130).

Who do they hope he is NOT?

They hope he is not Launcelot, Tristram, or Pelleas (130). Apparently, they are the three greatest knights in terms of skill at arms.

In whose name does he require the three to yield themselves? To whom?

He orders them to surrender to Gwynevere in the name of Sir Kay (131).

What do the last two answers tell you about Launcelot?

Earlier this behavior suggested a virtuous motive. However, Kay is no longer around, nor did these knights challenge Launcelot under the mistaken notion that he was Kay. Launcelot seems to enjoy making fools of these men - perhaps, even of Kay himself.

He next encounters Sir Gawain, Sir Uwayne, Sir Ector (de Marys), and Sir Sagramour le Desyrus (131).

Why do they challenge him?

They challenge him because they think he is Kay (131). Perhaps they believe Kay is an easy opponent to beat or one in need of a lesson in humility - or, perhaps, they simply wish to engage in some well-intentioned practice.

Whom do they come to suspect he is?

They conclude from his strength and skill that he must be Launcelot (131).

He follows a black brachet who leads him first to a trail of blood and ultimately to the body of a dead knight in an old hall (131).

What virtue does his treatment of her illustrate?

He shows her sympathy and compassion (131).

Whom does Launcelot next encounter? What does she want? Why?

Launcelot next encounters the grieving sister of Sir Melyot de Logres, a knight of the Round Table. She wishes Launcelot to fetch Sir Gylberd’s sword and a strip of his silken shroud in order to heal her brother of his wounds (132).

Why does Launcelot agree to help her?

He agrees to help because Sir Melyot de Logres is a fellow knight of the Round Table (132).

With what new emotion does Launcelot enter the Chapel Perelous? What strange phenomena does he experience?

He feels fear for the first time. He experiences a small earthquake when he when he cuts a small piece from the shroud (132).

Why had the Chapel Perelous been built? What had Gawain done there?

Lady Hallews had built the chapel to lure in either Sir Gawain or Sir Launcelot - with whom she has been in love for seven years. Realizing, however, that Launcelot loves the queen so strongly that he could never love another, she had decided to lure him in, kill him, and preserve his corpse so that she might kiss him every day (133).

Who built the Chapel Perelous?

Lady Hallews of the Castle Nygurmous built the chapel.

What became of her? Why?

Within weeks of speaking to Launcelot, however, she died of a broken heart (133).

What is the outcome of this adventure for Sir Melyot?

Sir Melyot is healed without even a scar to testify to his formerly mortal wounds (133).

Because he is not a good climber, Launcelot would prefer not to rescue the lady’s falcon. However, his obligation to serve women outweighs his personal preference (133-134).

What, in fact, was she doing? Why?

She was, in fact, luring Launcelot into parting from both his arms and his armor at her husband’s command so that he might take Launcelot defenseless (134).

Sir Pedivere diverts Launcelot’s attention by telling him someone is behind him so that Pedivere could behead his wife without Launcelot’s interference (135).

How is Sir Phelot the opposite to Launcelot?

Sir Phelot resorts to trickery and dishonesty, using women rather than respecting them, engaging in wrongful quarrels with unfair advantages. Launcelot would never do any such things.

What was Sir Pediver’s punishment? What was its effect on him?

Launcelot forces Pediver to carry his wife’s corpse and head to Camelot where he will confess to and throw himself on the mercy of Queen Gwynevere. She, in turn, sends him to the Pope to confess and seek penance after which he renounces his knighthood and becomes a holy monk (135).

READING FOR DETAIL

\

GAHERIS - Gawain’s brother

LYONEL - Launcelot’s cousin

ECTOR DE MARYS - Launcelot’s kinsmen

KAY - overbearing knight; foster brother to Arthur

TRISTRAM - Launcelot’s nearest equal

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 137-54 and prepare the study questions.

Day 7

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 137 - 154 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

THE TALE OF SIR GARETH (pp. 137-154)

Gareth’s physical features that indicate his nobility include at least all the following: great height, strong build, noble features, and handsome appearance (136). He also displays an interest in jousting and a natural strength and skill at games [which he always wins] (139).

What is his request?

He says he will make three requests, the first of which is for food and drink for a year at the court of Camelot.

What is his secret?

He keeps his true identity - name, lineage, social status - to himself.

In what way does Kay obey Arthur’s command regarding the young suppliant? In what does he disobey?

Kay does provide food and drink for the young man, but he treats him as a servant, not as a nobleman, as Arthur commands.

Why does he call the young man Beaumains?

Kay notices that the young man has extraordinarily fair hands.

Who are the young stranger’s greatest supporters?

Gawain and Launcelot

What virtues motivate each of them?

Launcelot admires the young man’s perseverance and feels confident that he is of noble birth.

Gawain also feels the young man is noble but feels a certain sense of obligatory attraction to him.

What alone inspires Kay’s pride in Beaumains?

Kay admires the young man’s success in the games that test physical prowess.

She requests that Arthur send a knight to rescue her sister who suffers the captivity of the Red Knight of the Red Lands (139).

Why can Arthur not grant it?

The young noblewoman refuses to give her sister’s name and to identify her home (139).

What are Beaumains’ two final requests?

He first requests that Arthur grant him the quest begged by the young noblewoman. He then asks that Launcelot follow him and knight him when the older man feels the younger has proven himself (140).

How does the noblewoman respond? Why?

She refuses because she feels that Arthur would shame her by sending a “kitchen boy” on such a quest. She feels Beaumains lacks the nobility requisite for success (14).

How does Kay respond?

Kay determines to follow Beaumains as well, calling him a lout (140).

What do both Kay and Launcelot learn about Beaumains?

Both knights learn that Beaumains possesses strength and skill superior to their own. Beaumains wounds and unhorses Kay, taking the knights spear, shield, and horse (140). Launcelot disengages the joust, fearing ignominious defeat at the young man’s hands (141).

What proof does Malory offer that Beaumains is superior to Launcelot?

Malory has Beaumains explain that he had not yet “fought to [his] uttermost” (141).

Gareth refuses reward for saving the knight, an act he sees as an obligation. His attitude points toward the virtues of humility and magnanimity as well as sincerity (142).

How does the noblewoman explain Gareth’s success against the two knights in the river?

She says that the first knight fell by accident and drowned while the other fell to a cowardly blow dealt by Gareth when the knight was not looking (143).

She begs him to rid her of Gareth (143).

How does Gareth administer poetic justice to him?

The Black Knight declares that he will strip Gareth of his armor and take his horse. After Gareth kills him, he takes the defeated knight’s armor and horse himself (144).

Though the lady bids the Green Knight to take vengeance on Gareth for killing his brother the Black Knight in what she calls an unfair fight, he begs mercy from Gareth after the young knight has all but killed him. When he pleads for mercy, Gareth declares that he will grant it only if the lady commands mercy. Unwilling to see such a knight and his retinue come under the command of a scullery boy, she at first refuses. Finally, however, when she realizes he is in earnest, she says to Gareth, “Hold, you dog, or you will repent it.” Gareth treats her remark as a polite plea for mercy and responds to her with chivalry (144 - 5).

What does the lady seem to use her insults to accomplish with the Green Knight?

She seems to insult the Green Knight in order to spur him to defeat Gareth (144).

What amazes the Green Knight concerning her?

The Green Knight cannot believe that the lady does not recognize hidden nobility in a knight who can defeat him (145).

What is the outcome for Gareth?

Gareth gains the Green Knight’s hospitality that night along with his allegiance and that of the thirty knights who owe the Green Knight their fealty (145). [Gareth requests that they give their allegiance to King Arthur (146).]

Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, or Sir Lamerok (146)

What request does she make of the Puce Knight?

She begs him to take vengeance on Gareth for the death of his brother the Black Knight and the defeat of this brother the Green Knight by killing Gareth (146).

What is the outcome for Gareth?

Gareth gains the Puce Knight’s hospitality that night along with his allegiance and that of the sixty knights who owe the Puce Knight their fealty (145). [Gareth requests that they give their allegiance to King Arthur (146).]

She confesses that she has gained respect for Gareth’s chivalry. However, she feels that tackling the Indigo Knight would sap Gareth’s strength which he will need to defeat the Red Knight who holds her sister captive just seven miles away (147 - 148).

What evidence does she see of Gareth’s nobility?

She sees his phenomenally courteous perseverance under her constant abuse as evidence of his true nobility (148).

How has her anger actually affected him?

Gareth declares that he turned the anger he felt from her insults against those whom he fought (148).

Why did he spend a year in Arthur’s kitchens?

He wanted to discover who were his true friends and who were his enemies (148).

What will make him invincible?

He says that the joy he feels at her new attitude will make him invincible as his former anger at her insults had strengthened him (148).

How does Gareth prove his chastity and respect for women in the Indigo Knight’s lands?

After defeating the Indigo Knight, the defeated nobleman - like his brothers before him - offers Gareth and the lady hospitality. After dinner he sends his eighteen- year-old daughter to sleep with Gareth. Gareth, however, declines such a shameful offer (149).

Lady Lynet (149)

Who is her sister?

Lady Lyoness (149)

For whom has the Red Knight waited?

Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, Sir Gawain, or Sir Lamerok (149)

How does the Red Knight deal with those he defeats?

He hangs them in the trees before his castle - either having killed them beforehand or letting them die by hanging (151 - 152).

What is the Red Knight’s magic?

His strength increases steadily until noon until it is seven time that of other men; then, it diminishes (152). [like Gawain]

What is Gareth’s reaction to it?

Gareth feels it would be unchivalrous to tackle the knight at any time other than the height of his strength (152).

What is the effect of the imprisoned lady on Gareth?

He falls in love at first sight (152).

Why does the Red Knight pursue the life he does?

He fights to avenge the brethren of a lady whose brethren had all been killed by either Launcelot or Gawain. Under her enchantment he enjoys the gift of increasing strength and fights any knight from King Arthur’s court (154).

How does Gareth display justice and mercy?

He spares the Red Knight’s life but demands that he yield to the Lady Lyoness and make full redress to her for his treatment of her. He further demands that the Red Knight yield his allegiance to King Arthur and confess his enmity to Launcelot and Gawain there (154).

Gareth’s ideal qualities include his physical features: great height, strong build, noble features, and handsome appearance (136). His personality also contributes to his ideal status. His sense of obedience to his superiors - even to Kay - is a mark of a knight in training (139). He also displays an interest in jousting and a natural strength and skill at games [which he always wins] (139). He is willing to take any quest for a lady - even one that involves mystery (140). Harsh words do not deter him from a righteous quest (141). He seeks no reward for doing his duty (142). He places credit for his prowess in God (143). He speaks courteously and displays bravery (147). He desires to prove his worth by deeds alone (148). He refuses the maiden daughter of Sir Persaunte [the Indigo Knight] to save her honor (149). He seeks no special advantage beyond his own skills (152). He is forgiving (154). He does not make rash promises (165). He is well mannered (165).

How does he measure up against the Code of the Round Table?

In short, he meets all the requirements of chivalry as they relate to authority, women, Christianity, and courtesy.

How does he compare/contrast to Gawain, his brother?

Gareth is superior to Gawain in strength at arms, courtesy, respect for women, and self-control. In fact, he avoids Gawain whom he regards as having a dangerous temper.

How does he compare/contrast to Launcelot?

Gareth is possibly superior to Launcelot who ends a joust with the younger knight rather than suffer a loss at his hands. Launcelot is Gareth’s ideal.

Gareth’s encounters with the variously colored knights progressively prove his worthiness as a knight in terms of strength and skill just as Lynet tests his worthiness in terms of devotion to the ideal of womanhood and courtesy. Each knight is more threatening than the one that preceded him. As Gareth progresses, he also learns to defeat without killing, demonstrating the Christian influence on chivalry. [Whether the colors themselves are symbolic, I do not know. I have nothing solid on which to base an interpretation.]

Interpret the purpose of his changing colors in the last tournament.

Gareth’s own changing of colors merely contributes to the theme of “the unknown knight” or anonymity that Gareth has chosen from the outset of the story. If the colors are symbolic, they are all brighter than those of the defeated knights, suggesting a closer alliance with the forces of “light.”

Like King Arthur, Gareth comes into the world without a clear account of his origin. Both men accept meek roles before they come into their proper knightly roles. Both are forgiving to those knights who should be near them but do not start out so. Both are guided by people who possess supernatural powers. [Remember that Lady Lynet possesses magical powers.] Both are outstanding in their strength and chivalry.

READING FOR DETAIL - IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING:

SIR PERARDE - the Black Knight whom Gareth encounters first and whom he kills

SIR PERTELOPE - the Green Knight, brother to all the variously colored knights, whom Gareth spares and who allies himself to Gareth

SIR PERYMONES - the Puce Knight, brother to all the variously colored knights, whom Gareth spares and who allies himself to Gareth (following the Green Knight)

SIR PERSAUNTE - the Indigo Knight, brother to all the variously colored knights, whom Gareth spares and who allies himself to Gareth (following the Green Knight)

SIR IRONSIDE - Lady Lyoness’ captor; he challenged knights and possessed seven times a normal man’s strength because of an enchantment that drove him to seek vengeance against Sirs Gawain and Launcelot.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 154 - 169 and prepare the study questions.

Day 8

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 154 - 169 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

THE TALE OF SIR GARETH (pp. 154-169)

She requires that he pursue adventure for a year and a day (155).

What is her professed motive?

She loves him for his brave deeds (154).

What is her real motive?

She wants to know for sure whether he is truly of noble birth. She sends her brother, Sir Gryngamour, to kidnap Gareth’s dwarf to learn the truth of his lineage (155).

To what two proofs of Gareth’s nobility does Lynet point?

She disguises herself as a princess and sets about to seduce Gareth (157).

Exactly what about him is she testing?

She tests the sincerity of his love for her (157).

His appearance prevents Gareth and Lyoness from violating the virtue of chastity (158 - 159)

What does Lynet do that perplexes Gareth?

She restores the illuminated knight (158).

The knights Gareth subdued has been among Arthur’s most implacable enemies (159).

How does Gareth advise Lyoness to respond to Arthur’s query? Why?

He requests that she not tell the king his whereabouts and that he hold a tournament on the Feast of the Assumption [Aug. 15] with the hand of the Lady Lyoness as the prize (160).

on the island of Avalon (160)

What promise does Lynet make Gareth?

She promises to heal him (161).

What gift does Lyoness give Gareth to help him remain incognito?

She gives him a ring that changes the color of his armor and prevents him from bleeding if he is wounded (162).

He believes the knight must be tired, giving Launcelot an unfair advantage (163).

What does he speculate is the source of that knight’s prowess?

the love of a woman (163)

How does Launcelot guess that knight’s true identity?

Launcelot guesses Gareth’s identity when the younger knight refrains from fighting Launcelot (163).

How is Gareth’s identity revealed to all?

After a break - during which Gareth’s dwarf takes his ring and forgets to return it, Gareth returns to the tournament where one of Arthur’s scouts reads his name emblazoned on his yellow armor (164).

He makes no promise that would prove dishonorable to him (165).

What chivalrous values does Gareth demonstrate in his encounter with the Duke de la Rowse?

He fights for the honor of women widowed by the Duke (166).

He also shows the man mercy when he asks it (167).

What chivalrous values does Gareth demonstrate in his encounter with Gawain?

He demonstrates the humility due an older brother once he knows Gawain’s identity (167).

How does Gareth feel about Gawain?

He respects his knightly prowess (167).

How does Gareth feel about Launcelot?

He holds him in the highest respect, regarding him nearly as an idol, definitely as an ideal of chivalry (167).

Where?

Kynke Kenadonne (168)

How does Lyoness’s suggestion regarding the wedding tournament bear out Launcelot’s comment about marriage on p. 127?

During the tournament held to celebrate the weddings, the ladies request that their husbands not participate. This is consistent with Launcelot’s claim that marriage hinders a knight from pursuing his skills (169).

READING FOR DETAIL - IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING:

SIR GRYNGAMOUR - Ladies Lynet and Lyoness’s brother

DUKE DE LA ROWSE - a hostile knight whose wife gives Gareth shelter and food and whom Gareth later defeated in a fair fight. The Duke becomes Gareth’s willing ally.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 359-87 and prepare the study questions.

Day 9

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 359 - 387 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

THE TALE OF THE SANGREAL

“The Departure” (pp. 359-367)

Sir Launcelot, Sir Bors, and Sir Lyonel (360)

Who had raised Galahad?

nuns (360)

Who knights him?

Launcelot

What marvel concerning the Siege Perelous do the Round Table knights witness?

Miraculous signs indicating that the knight destined to sit in it begin to appear in mysterious gold letters (360).

If Christ’s Passion (crucifixion) occurred in AD 34, in what year do the events in “The Departures” occur?

AD 488 (454 years after the Passion (Crucifixion) of Christ (360)

Kay indicates that they do not sit down to eat dinner until some miracle (wonder) occurs (361). [Indeed, this custom appeared at the knighting of Sir Torre and elsewhere.]

How is that custom satisfied - almost immediately?

A squire reports the appearance of a block of red marble into which a sword has been plunged floating in the river. On the hilt appears the message that proclaims that only the greatest knight in the world may take the sword (361).

To whom does Arthur conclude the sword must belong?

Sir Launcelot (361)

What is that knight’s three-part answer?

Whom does Arthur ask next to try the sword? What is that knight’s first response?

Gawain begs Arthur to excuse him from this request (361).

Why does that knight try the sword?

Arthur commands him to do so in the name of his love for his king and uncle (361).

What prophecy does Launcelot make? [Go back and look at paragraph 11 on p. 56 again.]

He prophesies that Gawain will suffer a blow from that sword for which no earthly reward could compensate (361).

Who is the third knight Arthur asks to try the sword? Why does he assent?

Percivale agrees to try out of a sense of brotherhood with Gawain. In other words, he feels compassion for Gawain because he believes Launcelot’s prophecy. He would share his fellow Round Table knight’s suffering (361-2). [Recall that Gawain went into self-imposed exile for similar reasons when Arthur banished Uwayne.]

All the doors and windows of the great hall shut of themselves, yet the room remains strangely illuminated (362).

In what color is the old man clad?

white [symbolic of purity and holiness] (362)

What is the color of the young knight’s armor and tunic? What weaponry does he not have?

The young knight wears red armor over a red tunic. Though he carries a scabbard, he possesses neither sword nor shield (362).

Is he royal or common? Who is his ancestor on both his mother’s and his father’s side - dating back to the time of Christ?

He descends from royalty on both sides of his family (362). [Launcelot is a king in his own right, and Elayne is the daughter of a king.] They trace their family back to Joseph of Arimathea, the legendary first missionary of Christianity in the British Isles. He is also the rich man who loaned Christ his tomb.

What is his destiny? Where does he sit?

He is destined to accomplish the greatest undertaking in King Arthur’s realm - the discovery of the Holy Grail. He sits at the Siege Perelous (362).

Who is his grandfather? Who is his local king (lord)?

King Pelles is his maternal grandfather; King Pecchere is his liege (362).

What is the young knight’s name?

Galahad (362)

What two conclusions do the Round Table knights reach concerning him?

Who is his father? Who is his mother?

His father is Launcelot; his mother Elayne (363)

How does he prove himself to be “the best knight of the world”?

He pulls Sir Balin’s fateful sword from the block of red marble prepared long ago by Merlin (363).

Whose wound will he heal? [Go back to p. 53, paragraph 7. Note that Pelles was called Pellam there.]

He will heal King Pelles whom Balin dealt the dolorous stroke (363).

Is Galahad in any way related to Pelles/Pellam?

Pelles/Pellam is Galahad’s maternal grandfather (362).

He asserts that he has always known that he was not the greatest knight (364). [His declaration indicates the virtue of modesty; however, we should also remember at this point that Launcelot has known for more than twenty years that Gareth surpasses him in strength.]

What consolation does she offer him?

She declares that he is the greatest of sinful knights (364). [She is probably right, but the distinction no doubt offers Launcelot little consolation.]

What message does she bring King Arthur?

She bears the hermit Nacien’s message that Arthur and his court will enjoy an appearance of the Holy Grail at his court (364).

He wishes to see how Galahad fares against the skills of the other knights of the Round Table - since he believes Galahad will never return from the quest (364).

What armor does Galahad refuse?

a shield (364)

How many knights does he overthrow? How does Gwynevere explain Galahad’s greatness?

He overthrows all but Launcelot and Percivale (364). She declares that his greatness arises from his father. [In a way this is a gibe at Elayne, since Gwynevere attributes nothing about Galahad to his mother’s heritage.]

Peals of thunder shake the whole castle. A sunbeam seven times brighter than any other they have ever seen renders them all speechless. They all see the Grail covered in white samite, but they cannot see the maid who carries it. All smell the fragrance of spices. They all behold their favorite food and drink appear before them (364-5).

What spiritual phenomenon precedes the Grail’s entry?

They all sense the Holy Spirit descend upon them (364).

Sangreal is another term that means “Holy Grail.”

Who is the first knight to take up the Grail quest?

Sir Gawain (365) [Note that Gawain agrees to the quest for a year and a day, but will regard failure to achieve it as the will of God (365).]

Why does the quest distress Arthur? Why are the ladies dismayed?

Arthur sees the beginning of the quest as the end of the order of the Round Table because he believes many - if not most - will not return from it (365). [Please note that Arthur declares that he loves the fellowship of the Round Table more dearly than he loves his own life (365).]

They fear they will lose their lovers forever (365).

What two conditions does Nacien lay down on all who pursue the Grail quest?

How many of the Round Table knights pursue the quest?

all 150 (366)

“The Miracles” (pp. 367-379)

The shield is white with a red crosss as its device (367).

To whom is it dangerous?

It is dangerous to anyone except “the greatest knight in the world” [Galahad] (367).

Who is the first to try it? What is the color of the armor of the knight who overthrows him?

King Bagdemagus is the first to try the shield, but a knight in white armor who refuses to identify himself overthrows him (367-8). [The white knight is either the archangel Michael or Christ Himself.]

Joseph of Arimathea must have arrived in Sarras in AD 66 where he converted King Evelake (368).

At the sight of what do his enemies fall back in defeat?

The Saracens fall back at the sight of a white shield bearing the Crucifixion as its device (369).

What other miracle does it perform?

It restores the severed hand of one of Evelake’s soldiers (369).

What mysterious disappearance precedes the baptism of most of Sarras’s citizens?

The crucifix painted on the shield disappears (369).

Where does Joseph next travel? With whom?

Joseph decides to travel to Britain; King Evelake accompanies him (369).

What happens upon their arrival? How are they freed? What is the outcome of all this for Britain?

A pagan suzerain (potentate) throws them into prison (369). A man named Mondramas, impressed with Joseph’s reputation raises an army to defeat the evil king and frees Joseph and Evelake. Consequently, all Britain is converted to Christianity (369).

Joseph bleeds (from his nose) upon the shield; the blood forms a red cross which will remain forever fresh (369).

What two prophecies does Joseph make - one about the shield and another about its last bearer?

1) The shield imperils the life of anyone who attempts to wear it - except for Evelake and Galahad (369).

Who is made the shield’s guardian? [How old must that man be? (Subtract the year in “Miracles” #2 from the year in “Departure” #1.)]

Nacien the hermit will become its guardian until Galahad assumes the shield himself (369). [Nacien must be in the vicinity of four centuries old (369).]

How does the white knight depart?

He vanishes (370).

The monk asks Galahad to accompany him to a tomb occupied by a fiend (370).

What does the fiend reveal about Galahad’s protection?

The fiend sees that angels encircle and protect Galahad (370).

Why does Galahad decide to remove the corpse?

He presumes that the corpse is that of a heretic [an unbeliever] (370).

What is the mystical interpretation of the episode?

The fiend symbolizes the reign of sin on earth (370). [Apparently, Galahad’s removal of the corpse symbolizes the descent of Christ to save the world.]

The squire is Melyas de Lyle, son of the King of Denmark (370). He begs Galahad to allow him to go along on the quest at Galahad’s side (371).

Which path does he beg Galahad to allow him to take - against Galahad’s better judgment?

He begs to take the perilous path that leads to the left [the symbolic side of the sinister, the evil, the threatening] (371).

On which side is the young man wounded? Which arm does Galahad cut from one of the two knights who overthrow Melyas?

Melyas receives a wound on his left side (371). Galahad severs the left arm of one of his assailants (372).

According to one of the monks, what moves Melyas to pursue the Grail Quest and then left-hand route?

Pride and covetousness moved Melyas (372).

What does left symbolize? Right? The two knights?

Left symbolizes sinfulness while right symbolizes righteousness (372).

The two knights symbolize pride and covetousness - both of which Galahad easily overcomes (372).

Why is Galahad able to overthrow them?

Galahad is without sin (372). [Galahad must be a Christ figure.]

“Go to the Maidens’ Castle to change their evil custom” (373).

How many knights defend the Maidens’ Castle?

seven

What are its two evil customs?

Who kills the seven brothers?

Sir Gawain, Sir Gareth, and Sir Uwayne (374)

Why will Galahad never accept Gawain’s company?

Gawain is wicked but Galahad is blessed (374).

Why does Galahad not kill the seven knights?

He could put them to flight from the castle without resorting to taking their lives (375).

What does the Maidens’ Castle represent?

It represents the world held in bondage to sin before the birth, ministry, and death of Christ (375).

What requirement does the hermit lay on Gawain? What is Gawain’s answer?

The hermit tells Gawain that he must do penance (demonstrate his repentance of his wicked life), but Gawain declares that a knight-errant suffers enough (375). [Penance involved voluntary suffering to demonstrate sincere repentance.]

When he kisses the Holy Grail, he is healed (376).

Why can Launcelot not kiss the Grail?

He is in mortal sin (376-7). [That means that he, like Gawain, suffers from unrepented wrongful acts.]

What does Launcelot say about the difference between his life before and his life during the Grail Quest?

He had no trouble winning worldly fame before the quest, but his sinfulness prevents him from winning holy fame (377).

What does Launcelot ask the hermit to do? What is his confession? What penance does the hermit prescribe? Does Launcelot agree?

Launcelot asks the hermit to advise him regarding his sinful fourteen-year relationship with Queen Gwynevere. The hermit instructs him that he must give up the queen forever. Launcelot agrees (378).

“Sir Percivale” (pp. 379-387)

The recluse is Percivale’s aunt, the former Queen of the Wastelands (379).

What is the symbolic meaning of the Round Table?

It symbolizes the wholeness of virtue (380). [The recluse seems to challenge the truth of that intention by Merlin when she observes that the knights left their families with no sense of remorse.]

What was Merlin’s prophecy concerning who would achieve the Grail Quest?

He prophesied that knights of the Round Table would accomplish the Grail Quest: symbolically, three white bulls. Two shall be virgins. The third shall be chaste and greater than his father (380).

Percivale first seeks Galahad to get revenge. How does his motive change?

He now pursues him that Galahad might lead him (380).

The ancient man is King Evelake, companion to Joseph of Arimathea. His pain springs from his pride in seeking to enter into the mysteries of the Holy Grail. His pain may also spring from the fact that his is four hundred years old. The one thing he now desires is to be kissed by his descendant of the ninth generation who will achieve the Grail Quest (381).

He rescues him from twenty knights leading a dead knight in a horse litter (381).

From whom does Percivale finally get a horse? What must he do to get it? What color is it? What is remarkable about it?

A strange noblewoman comes upon Percivale lamenting his fate at the hands of the knight who slew the yeoman’s hack and stole the yeoman’s master’s charger. She gives him a black charger that traverses a distance of four-days’ journey in an hour (382).

What, in fact, is the horse? How does Percivale escape?

The horse, in fact, is a fiend. Percivale escapes only by recognizing that fact and crossing himself just before the supernatural beast galloped into the sea (382).

Percivale kills a great serpent that he sees carrying a young lion because he regards the lion as the more natural (gentler) beast (383).

What beast befriends him?

The lion whose whelp he saved befriends him (383).

In his dream, on what beast does the younger lady ride? The older?

The younger lady rides a lion, while the older rides a serpent (383).

What color are the sails on the ship? Who appears to man that ship?

The ship’s sails are white, and a priest appears to man the ship (384).

Who does that man say the younger woman is? The older? What was her real reprimand for? What did she really want Percivale to do?

The younger woman represents the Christian Church. The older woman represents paganism, druidism, or even Satanism, since the woman reprimanded Percivale, in fact, for killing the fiend horse (384).

What is the color of the second ship’s awnings? Who alone is on it? What information does she claim to have? What does she claim to be?

The second ship’s awnings are black (384). On board Percivale sees only a beautiful woman who tells him that she has recently seen Galahad [the Red Knight with the white shield] destroy two knights by driving them into the sea (384-5). She claims to be “she who was the richest in the world, and who now is disinherited” by the greatest lord in the world to whom she was formerly the greatest ornament (385).

Who - in fact - is she? How does Percivale escape her?

She is, in fact, Lucifer himself (387). Percivale escapes only by crossing himself in the last moment before he commits an impure sexual act with her (386).

Why had the Lord disinherited Lucifer?

The Lord disinherited Lucifer for the sin of pride (387).

How does Percivale escape the island?

Percivale escapes on the hermit’s ship, the hermit himself having disappeared (387).

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 387 - 406.

Day 10

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 387 - 406 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

THE TALE OF THE SANGREAL

“Sir Launcelot” (pp. 387-392)

white (387)

What is the dead man’s relationship to Aguars?

uncle (387)

Why could the Earl of Vale’s men not cut the man’s flesh or singe his skin?

His great holiness protected him from all evil (388)

Who placed his body in the sanctuary?

the fiend (388)

What observation does the hermit make concerning Launcelot?

He declares that, if not for Launcelot’s sin, he would be the first to see the Grail (388).

Why does the hermit advise him to place the hair of the hermit next to his skin?

He says it will enhance his virtue (389). [In the Middle Ages penitents often wore garments or burdens to help them focus on the suffering they felt was necessary to express sincere repentance.]

What two commands regarding conduct during the quest does the hermit give Launcelot?

He is nearer to and more prepared to see the Holy Grail than he was earlier (389).

What are the two attributes of the man leading the kings and the knights? How many knights? Who blesses them? How many are not blessed? Why not? What is demanded?

The man leading the seven kings and two knights wears a gold crown and is surrounded by stars . An ancient man blesses all but one of them. That one has used his gifts to gain worldly fame [instead of spiritual growth]. He must return the gifts (389). [Perhaps this means that Launcelot must start using his gifts in the service of God.]

What does Launcelot get from the knight whom the Holy Grail had healed? How?

In a jousting match, he gets back the horse that the knight had taken from his while he slept (390).

Who are the kings and knights in Launcelot’s vision? [Their names are not necessary.]

They are the descendants of Joseph of Arimathea: the kings are also Launcelot’s ancestors; the knights are him and his son, Galahad (390.)

[Though the names are not necessary, the following lists them in order from Joseph of Arimathea: Nappus Nacien Hellyas le Grose Lysays Jonas Launcelot Ban Launcelot Galahad]

What is Galahad’s beast symbol? Why?

The lion is his symbol because he will surpass all earthly knights (390). [The lion, as the “king of the beasts,” makes a fitting symbol of royal greatness; as a ferocious hunter, it makes an appropriate symbol of supreme knighthood. The lion is also the beast sometimes associated with Christ who as a descendant of the House of Judah in the Old Testament shares that tribe’s traditional animal image - the lion. Like King David, Christ is sometimes called the Lion of Judah. Here we see another proof that Galahad is a Christ figure.]

What two pieces of advice does this hermit give Launcelot?

Why can Galahad not intercede on Launcelot’s behalf to prevent Launcelot from sinning?

“Each man must himself bear his own burden.” (390)

Launcelot observes a company of black knight a company of white knights. Because he sees the white knights winning, he goes in to champion the black knights. After the white knights take Launcelot off the field, they defeat the black knights (391).

Under what kind of tree does he sleep? Who speaks to him there? What does he say?

While Launcelot sleeps under an apple tree, an ancient man speaks to him in his dream, explaining that Launcelot has once more fallen into error (391).

According to the recluse, what are the black knights? The white knights? Of which king is the white knights’ lord a son?

She explains that the black knights are enslaved to sin [represent wickedness] while the white knights live in a state of grace (forgiven salvation) [represent righteousness]. They are the knights of Eliazar, son of King Pelles, the Maimed King (392).

What is the nature of the quest?

It consists of individual challenges to evil made in order to participate in the holy mysteries (392).

Relate the white and black knights to the Round Table knights.

The white knights represent the virginal and blessed members of the fellowship, while the black knights represent those who are sinful (392).

Who is the old man under the tree? What is the recluse’s warning to Launcelot?

The old man appears to be God Himself (392). He tells Launcelot to sincerely repent or face Hell (392).

Who kills Launcelot’s horse? What is demanded?

A black knight kills Launcelot’s horse, but Launcelot merely thanks God (392).

“Sir Gawain” (pp. 392-397)

Ector de Marys is Launcelot’s brother (393).

What humble admission does Gawain make about himself (and Ector de Marys) in comparison to Launcelot, Galahad, Percivale, and Bors?

The latter four surpass him and Ector; they would no doubt not seek their company on the quest (393).

Gawain sees 150 bulls in a flowery meadow. All but three are black. The black ones run about the meadow restlessly. Some leave but never return. Others leave only to return looking exhausted. Two of the white bulls stand tied together by two cords; the third has one black spot on his coat. All three behave meekly (393).

In Gawain’s vision, what is the meaning of the feeding rack? The meadow? Who are the black bulls? The white bulls tied together? The bulls with the spot? Which of these three will return from the Grail quest?

The feeding rack is the Round Table. The meadow represents patience and humility, the foundations of true chivalry. The black bulls symbolize the Round Table knights in whose lives sin stills reigns. The white bulls tied together are Galahad and Percivale who are virgins, simple and humble. The bull with the spot is Bors who sinned once but has since remained chaste. Only Bors will return from the Quest (395).

They are seated in chairs (393).

What does one propose to the other?

They propose to “seek that which they will not find.” (393) In other words, they will go on the Grail Quest, a quest they cannot achieve but must attempt.

What happens to Launcelot?

Launcelot sets off but is beaten by a man who dresses him in knotted clothes and sets him on an ass. When Launcelot attempts to drink, the water disappears. He returns to his chair (393).

Where does Ector go? What happens to him?

Ector finds himself at a wedding feast, but the host tells him there is no place for him there. He then returns to his chair (393).

In Ector’s vision, what beast symbolizes humility?

The ass symbolizes humility (396). [This dates back to biblical symbolism. Christ rides an ass into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. His mount came to be associated with His humility.]

How long has Launcelot sinned? How long must he do penance?

Because Launcelot has sinned for 24 years, he must do penance for 24 days (396). [On page 386 Launcelot admitted that he had committed adultery for 14 years. Since Nacien says that he has sinned for 24 years, we may assume that Launcelot’s thoughts about the queen had been lustful for 10 years before they consummated their affair. In the Christian view, to think about sinning is the same thing as committing that sin.]

They see a disembodied arm carrying a bridle and a candle (394).

What does the voice tell them? What does each symbolize? What is the meaning of the voice’s words?

The voice tells them that since these three things have failed them, they will not achieve the Quest (394).

The arm symbolizes the charity [love] of the Holy Spirit; the bridle abstinence [probably celibacy]; and the torch the light of Christ [the true salvation] (396).

The voice’s words mean that because Gawain and Ector lack charity, virtue, and faith, they cannot achieve the Quest [personal salvation] (396).

Sir Uwayne wounds Gawain in the left side before Gawain deals Uwayne a fatal blow with his lance. He feels good about dying at the hands of a knight as noble as Gawain (395).

He looks for worldly adventures, especially adventures that involve killing other men. The Quest is not about such adventures; it is especially not about killing, an activity Gawain has pursued too often (396). [Remember especially that Gawain killed Pellinore out of revenge and ambushed Lamerok in an unfair fight. His killing of Uwayne contrasts starkly with the friendship he professed when he accompanied his cousin into exile earlier in the book.]

How shall Launcelot die?

Launcelot shall die a holy man (396).

To what does Nacien compare Gawain?

Nacien compares Gawain to a rotten tree that has nothing to offer God (397). [Indeed, even as Nacien invites him to repent, he leaves because Ector has already gone.]

“Sir Bors” (pp. 397-406)

How does Bors begin the Grail Quest? What instructions does the holy man give him?

He begins by seeking the counsel of a holy man and by confessing his sins. He advises Bors to fast during the Quest, eating only bread and water (397).

What is Bors one fleshly sin?

He impregnated the daughter of King Brandegoris (398).

What does the holy man give Bors to wear? What color is it?

He gives Bors a red “garment of chastisement.” (397) [Note that the color is that also worn by Galahad. The garment recalls the "hairs of the hermit given to Launcelot for the same purpose of keeping him mindful of his past sins.]

Bors first sees a bird feeding its starving young by plucking its own breast to feed them on its own blood (398). It symbolizes the self-sacrifice of Christ for all who believe in Him.

He next sees a large white bird that promises him the greatest riches on earth if he will serve it, followed by a smaller black bird that promises to prevail against all that is white (399). The black bird symbolizes the power of the Christian Church. The white bird symbolizes the power of the old pagan ways (403). [The reversal of the typical meanings of black and white serve to emphasize that those who serve evil are hypocrites hiding behind pleasing but false fronts.]

Bors must choose between helping his brother Lyonel who has been subdued, stripped, and beaten with thorns and rescuing a young noblewoman who bids him in the name of Christ to save her from rape (400).

How does he escape the peril of the noblewoman who seeks him as her paramour?

He refuses to submit to her demands even when she ordered twelve of her maidens to leap from the tower to their deaths. When he crosses himself, the whole castle dissolves - just as the horse and the pavilion disappeared earlier when Percivale crossed himself (402).

King Anyause represents the Lord; the young noblewoman the Christian Church; and the old woman the powers of evil (403).

He is a fiend in disguise. She is Lucifer (403). [Remember that Percivale encountered Lucifer in female form as well.]

The rotten tree represents Lyonel who is guilty of murder and corruption (403). [The two lilies represented the couple Bors saved from disgrace.]

He wishes to kill Bors for betraying him, abandoning him in his plight to save a woman (404).

Why does Bors not fight him?

Because Lyonel is the elder brother, Bors feels he should respect and love him (404).

Who is Lyonel’s first victim? Why does Colgrevaunce die for Bors?

Lyonel beheads the hermit who intervenes. Colgrevaunce believes Bors is a more noble knight than himself )405).

What miracle ends the fight?

A mysterious flame springs up between the two brothers and knocks both down (406).

What instructions does the voice give Bors?

"Leave Lyonel to meet Percivale (406).

What color are the awnings on the ship? Who else is on the ship? Who alone is missing?

The awnings of the ship are made of white samite. Sir Percivale is on the ship. Only Sir Galahad is missing (406).

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 407 - 431.

Day 11

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 407 - 431 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

THE TALE OF THE SANGREAL

“Sir Galahad” (pp. 407 - 420)

on his head (407)

What decision does the wound bring Gawain to make?

Remembering Launcelot’s prophecy concerning the sword in the red marble - that whoever wrongfully attempted to draw it from the stone would receive a fatal wound, Gawain decides to leave the quest and return to Camelot (407).

[Some students will accurately observe that Gawain does not die. Remind them that not all wounds that kill do so immediately.]

A young noblewoman calls on him at the hermitage of Sir Ulphyne (a knight turned holy hermit) and leads by way of the castle of Collybye to the ship where they find Percivale and Bors (407-8).

According to Bors, who would make their number complete?

Launcelot (408).

What is Galahad’s response?

"If God had willed that Launcelot achieve the Quest, Launcelot would be here (408).

What is the name of the second ship?

Faythe (408)

Who is the young noblewoman who guides Galahad? Who is her father?

She is Percivale’s sister, daughter of King Pellinore (408).

Galahad finds a silken crown and a sword partially removed from its scabbard (409).

What are the powers of the hilt?

The hilt supplied any hand that held it with the energy and stamina to endure a battle of any length. Like King Arthur’s original scabbard, it also prevents its user from suffering from any wound. It also prevents the user from suffering from emotional influences (409).

Who alone can grip it?

Galahad (409)

What is the reward if he draws out the sword?

He would never suffer either shame nor wounding (409).

Who was the last person to use the sword? What were the results - for the kingdom and for himself?

King Hurlaine (a converted Saracen and father of the Maimed King) was the last to pull the sword from its scabbard to kill his enemy, King Labor. However, when he killed Labor (executing the Dolorous Stroke), he mystically caused the withering of both their kingdoms [just as Balin caused the mystical wasting of three kingdoms when he wounded King Pellam/Pelles with the spear of destiny - a deed that was also called the Dolorous Stroke]. When he returned for the scabbard and plunged the sword into it, he himself fell dead (410).

What happened to the sword when Nacien first picked up the sword? Who restored the sword merely by picking it up?

When Nacien picked it up to do battle with the giant, the sword fell to pieces. King Mordrayns restored it merely by picking it up (411).

What happened to Nacien later because he had picked up the sword?

The sword wounded him in his heel (411).

What happened when King Pelles picked it up? What epithet does Pelles’ experience earn him?

According to this version, when Pelles pulled the sword part way out of its scabbard, a spear appeared from nowhere and wounded him in each of his thighs with wounds that will not heal, earning him the epithet, “the Maimed King.”

[Note that earlier in the story we heard that Balin wounded the king with the spear of destiny.]

Whose grandfather is Pelles?

He is Galahad’s maternal grandfather [Elayne’s father] (412)

4. What are the colors of three of the canopy’s spindles?

They are blood red, snow white, and emerald green (412).

From what tree came their wood?

The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (412)

When was the wood white?

The wood of the tree that grew from the bough that Eve gathered was originally white because Eve was a maid (412). [Here white symbolizes virginity, a variant of purity.]

When did it turn green?

It turned green while Adam and Eve made love, conceiving Abel (412). [Here green - as it most frequently does - symbolizes new life.]

When did it turn red?

It turned red when Cain slew Abel beneath the tree (412). [Here red is the blood of a murdered man; consequently, the symbolism turns to sinfulness or even rage.]

Who is Galahad’s most famous biblical ancestor?

Malory indicates that Solomon is Galahad’s most famous Old Testament ancestor by dwelling on him - rather than on King David (412).

Who owned the sword originally?

The sword originally belonged to King David (413).

Who built the ship?

Solomon built the ship at his wife’s suggestion (413).

What evidence is there that Solomon’s creation pleased God?

Solomon sees a vision in a dream in which a voice speaks to him, promising that the last knight of his lineage (Galahad) shall sleep on the bed. He also sees angels descend from Heaven and inscribe mystic messages on the sword and on the ship (414).

From what is the new girdle made?

Percivale’s sister’s hair (414)

What is the name of the sword? What is the name of the scabbard?

The sword is called the Sword of the Straunge Gurdyls; the scabbard the Mover of Blood (414).

Do they stay on the ship?

No, Galahad puts them on and wears them; then the company leaves Faythe (415).

They believe that God would not have given them the strength to kill the ten if He had intended them to live. They must have been instruments of God’s wrath (415).

List the sins of the three sons of Earl Hennox.

What is the Earl’s dying wish?

He wishes that the Lord will send vengeance upon them (416).

The voice sends him to heal the Maimed King (416).

Who does the hart represent?

The hart is Christ Himself (416-7).

Who are the lions?

The lions were the four evangelists, the writers of the four Gospels (417). The lion that turned into a man is St. Matthew. The lion that turned into an ox is St. Luke. The lion that turned into an eagle is St. John. The lion that remained a lion is St. Mark.

The knight of the castle seize her once they discover she is a virgin and demand of her a dish of her blood. When the Grail Knights refuse to respect the custom of the castle, they have to fight first twelve then sixty knights, all of whom they kill (417-8).

What decision does Percivale’s sister make?

She decides to give her blood willingly (418). [Her self-sacrifice, giving her blood that another might live connects her to Galahad as another Christ figure, since Christ gave his life to restore life to all who believe in Him.]

What is her last request?

She requests that they not bury her but place her body on a barge that shall by some mystic route rendezvous with them in Sarras at the conclusion of the Quest. There in what she calls their spiritual home she would be buried as in the future Galahad, Percivale and Bors will also lie (419).

How does Bors part their company?

Bors goes to the aid of a wounded knight pursued by another knight (419).

“The Castle of Carbonek” (pp. 420 - 431)

Who is on board the boat?

The body of Percivale’s sister (420)

How long does he remain on board?

one month (420)

He meets Galahad with whom he spends six months until a knight clad all in white summons Galahad to accompany him in returning to the Quest (421).

What does Launcelot next do? What guards the castle postern he next sights? Why does he enter?

He returns to the ship for a very long time until the ship ran ashore at midnight near a castle with lions guarding its postern gate. He enters because a voice commands him to do so (421 - 422).

What is his first lesson? What is he not permitted to do? What does he see?

He learns that he is not worthy to enter the Grail Chapel (422).

Why does he enter the forbidden chamber? What happens to him?

He sees a man whom he believes is about to fall. [Actually, it is a symbolic representation of Christ whose body is the communion wafer.] As soon as he enters the forbidden chamber, he falls into a coma (422-3).

How long does he lie prostrate? What does that number signify?

He lies prostrate for 24 days, signifying the 24 days of penance he must do for the 24 years of adultery with Gwynevere (423).

What color robe is Launcelot given to wear?

red - symbolic of both adultery and martyrdom (423)

Who attempts to enter the banquet, but cannot? What consequent decision does Launcelot make?

Ector de Marys attempts to enter but his sinfulness prevents it. The fact moves Launcelot to decide to return to Logres (the Grail Quest name for Camelot). Launcelot thus ends his participation in the Grail Quest (424).

Camelot receives him joyfully, especially Arthur and Gwynevere. He also discovers that Gawain, Ector, and Lyonel have already returned (424 - 5).

How many Round Table knights lost their lives on the Grail Quest?

more than half (425)

What does Launcelot prophesy?

Launcelot prophesies that only one of the Grail Knights will return (425).

“The Miracle of Sir Galahad” (pp. 425 - 431)

Galahad discovers King Mordrayns (he who made the Sword of the Straunge Gurdyls whole when Nacien broke it by picking it though he was unworthy).

What two qualities does he say Galahad possesses - and what flowers symbolize each?

Mordrayns asserts that Galahad possesses the virginity of the white lily and the virtue of the burning rose [a symbol of martyrdom].

What miracle does Galahad perform?

Galahad makes the old man’s flesh young again before he dies [in an allegory of resurrection] (425).

Which of Galahad’s virtues overcomes the well that boils with lust?

his chastity (425)

Who else is buried in the abbey where King Bagdemagus’s body lies?

Joseph of Arimathea [and Simeon] (425)

Whose soul does Galahad release to paradise?

that of one of his own kinsmen who three centuries earlier sinned against Joseph of Arimathea (426)

18 months (426)

What does Elyazar bring to Galahad? What does Galahad do with it? To whom does he give it?

He brings the pieces of the spear that wounded Joseph of Arimathea in his thighs. Galahad restores the two pieces as though they had never been parted. he gives it to Bors in honor of his faith and courage.

12 (427) [The number symbolizes Christ’s twelve disciples.]

Who is the bishop who descends from Heaven?

Joseph of Arimathea (427)

Why must the Grail depart from Logres? [Logres is the name used for Britain during the Quest because it means, roughly, “place of sorrow.”]

The people of Britain are not worthy of its presence (428).

What two instructions does Christ give Galahad?

Where is the Grail Knights’ next destination?

the city of Sarras (428)

What is Christ’s prophecy concerning the destiny of the Grail Knights?

Whom does Galahad heal? How? Where does that person go?

Galahad heals the Maimed King with blood from the spear. The Maimed King then goes to join a monastery of white monks (428).

At what hour are the three told to depart?

midnight [the time of transition from one day to the next] (428)

Who is the only one of the knights of Gaul to be identified? [See pp. 28 and 69.]

Malory only identifies a son of Claudas, the king who threatened the lands of Kings Ban and Bors in the first chapters of the book and whom Arthur helped to overthrow (429)

He prays that his soul might be freed from his body because he yearns for the joys of Heaven (429). [His prayer demonstrates the ultimate distancing of oneself from the material world.]

How does Galahad spend the journey?

He spends the journey sleeping (429). [Remind the students of the significant sleep of Gilgamesh in the otherworld of Utnapishtim and the sleeping journey of Odysseus during which he moved from the otherworld of his maturing adventures and back to the real world.]

What is the first thing they see at their destination?

They immediately see the ship on which they placed the body of Percival’s sister (429).

What miracles does Galahad perform at the city gates? What are the consequences for the three? How do they survive?

After Galahad heals a cripple at the city gates [recalling similar miracles performed by Christ], King Estorause summons the three knights to his palace and then orders their imprisonment (429 - 430). During their imprisonment they receive food and comfort from the Holy Grail (430).

What happens at the end of the year?

At the end of a year, Estorause repents of his treatment of the Grail Knights, summons them to his death bed, and begs their forgiveness (430).

Who is the mystical bishop who speaks to Galahad?

Joseph, the son of Joseph of Arimathea (430)

Sir Percivale departed from Sarras and became a monk, living only a year and two months before he dies (431).

What does Bors do? What does he do first back in Camelot?

Bors returns to Logres [Camelot]. Once he is back, he tells the whole story of the Grail Quest which are recorded in a book and placed in the cathedral at Salisbury (431).

What do Launcelot and Bors agree to do?"

They pledge to each other that they will never part from one another (431). [This must be taken to mean that they will remain loyal to one another.]

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 432 - 453.

Day 12

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 432 - 453 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

THE BOOK OF SIR LAUNCELOT AND QUEEN GWYNEVERE

“The Poisoned Apple” (pp. 432-439)

“He was bound to his earthly love of the queen” (432).

Who alone speaks openly of the affair between Launcelot and Gwynevere?

Sir Aggravayne (432)

What is the effect on Launcelot?

He becomes more cautious in his behavior. He also begins to fight for the causes of young gentlewomen other than Gwynevere (432).

What is the effect of his decision on Gwynevere?

She becomes angry (432).

What three reasons does he offer to excuse his behavior?

What is the queen’s response?

She discharges him from the role of queen’s champion and banishes him for her presence (433).

Sir Bors (433)

What is the advice?

He advises Launcelot to go into the woods to the hermitage of the retired Sir Brastius and await the queen’s change of heart (43).

She wishes to conceal the fact that she grieves over the departure of Launcelot (433 - 434).

Among the guests whom have you already met?

Sirs Gawain, Gaheris, Gareth, Aggravayne, Modred, Kay, Bors, Lyonel, Ector, Persaunte, and Ironside (434).

Sir Gawain (434)

What is his motive?

He wishes vengeance on Gawain for the murder of his cousin Lamerok (434).

What is his means of murder?

poisoned apples (434)

What is his opportunity?

The queen has graciously provided a large bowl of apples at her dinner party to which both Pynel and Gawain have been invited (434).

Who is his unintentional victim?

Sir Patrise (434)

Queen Gwynevere (434)

What rationale is used?

Sir Gawain reasons that since the feast was given expressly for him and his fellows and that since his fondness for apples is quite well known, it is clear that the poisoned apples were meant to kill him. Since the queen organized the banquet and ordered the apples served, she must be guilty (434).

With what does Sir Madore charge her?

“treason” - that is treachery, a betrayal of trust or confidence (434)

What is the punishment?

burning at the stake (434)

Why can Arthur not champion her?

As king he must champion the rule of law; he cannot take up the cause of a certain party, especially not that of a family member (435).

Who would he have champion her? Why?

Arthur wishes Launcelot were available to champion the queen because he knows that no one could defeat him (435).

Who does he suggest as an alternate?

Sir Bors (435)

Why does that man wish not to do so?

As a guest at the dinner where Gwynevere allegedly committed murder, he would appear to be in collusion with her if her were to take up her cause (435). He adds that she should be ashamed to ask Launcelot’s cousin after her heartless treatment of the man (436).

Why does he decide to do so?

He agrees to champion Gwynevere out of love for Arthur and Launcelot - and then only when Arthur begs him to do so (436).

On what condition?

He adds that he will champion Gwynevere so long as no better knight come forward (436).

He will champion Gwynevere, but he wants Bors to delay Madore so that Launcelot may make a last-minute appearance to save the queen (436).

What color does he wear when he arrives?

white (438)

What about his weaponry disguises him?

His shield bears an unusual device (438).

Where does Madore wound him?

in his thigh (438)

On what counts does Launcelot declare himself beholden to both Arthur and Gwynevere?

He declares himself beholden to Arthur because the king knighted him (438).

He alludes to Gwynevere’s saving his honor on the occasion of his knighting when she brought his sword to him (439).

What is the effect on Gwynevere?

She weeps with shame (439).

Nyneve - by her magic arts (439)

Gwynevere is petty and self-centered, angry at Launcelot’s ploys for averting the suspicion of Aggravayne and Modred (422-33).

Launcelot is no longer so obsessed with Gwynevere as his courtly love that he will risk all simply to please her. He seeks to protect his reputation now. Still, he also asserts that he is interested in protecting Gwynevere.

“The Fair Maid of Astolat” (pp. 439-453)

She says that she feels sick (440).

What is popularly believed to be her real reason?

Many of the courtiers whisper that she remains behind to be with Launcelot who also begs off from participating in the tournament (440).

He plans to go to the tournament in disguise and fight on the side that opposes the king (440). [Remember that a tournament was sport, not warfare.]

How does he accomplish his desire to go incognito?

Sir Barnard loans him his son’s [Sir Tirry’s] shield (440).

What does Sir Barnard ask in return?

He asks Launcelot to allow his other son, Sir Lavayne, to ride with him (441).

3.What is Launcelot’s effect on Elaine?

She falls in love with him at first sight (441).

What does she ask of him?

She asks him to wear her token at the tournament (441).

Why does he at first decline?

He has never worn a token before (441).

Why does he change his mind?

He believes that this departure from his custom would enhance his disguise (441).

What is the token?

a sleeve (441)

What color is it?

scarlet [red] (441)

What color are the shields he and his companion carry?

plain white (441)

Arthur wishes to protect Sir Gawain - probably out of fear that Launcelot might do the king’s nephew some harm. After all, Gawain was the first to accuse Gwynevere of murder, citing himself as the probable target (441).

Gawain recognizes Launcelot’s style in handling his weapons and his horse (442).

Why does he conclude he cannot be?

The token that the mystery knight wears, however, indicates that he cannot be Launcelot since that famous knight never wears anyone’s token (442).

Who unhorses and wounds Launcelot in the flesh?

Sir Bors (442)

Who comes to his aid?

Sir Lavayne (442)

Who wins the prize that day?

“the knight with the red token [Launcelot]” (443)

Why dos he decline to go to receive it?

He declines because he needs rest (healing) more than honors right now (443).

Sir Badouin of Brittainy, a former knight who now leads the life of a hermit and practices the healing arts, is a close kinsman of Launcelot’s. Launcelot believes he can either heal him or guide him into a good death (444)

How dos the physician recognize him?

by an old scar on his cheek [cf. Eurycleia’s and Cilissa’s recognitions of Odysseus and Orestes, respectively.] (444)

Arthur says he would readily barter his kingdom for such a knight (445).

Who proposes a quest to find him? Why?

Gawain proposes that he find the stranger knight. He says he has never seen a greater fighter and loss of him would be an inestimable loss to the kingdom (445).

From whom does he gain knowledge of the knight’s identity?

Elaine, the Fair Maid of Astolat, shows Gawain Launcelot’s shield. That and her story of his taking her brother’s shield convince Gawain of the red token knight’s true identity (446).

twenty-four years (446)

How does he describe the man who wounds Launcelot?

Gawain says, “. . . he was wounded by the man whom he most loves, and who most loves him . . ." (446)

She feels Launcelot has betrayed her by wearing the token of Elaine, the Fair Maid of Astolat. She also believes that Launcelot loves Elaine since Gawain reports Elaine’s deep love for Launcelot (447)

Whom does Launcelot send to keep watch for Bors? Why?

He sends Lavayne to keep watch for Bors since he - as the man who wounded Launcelot so severely - is the most likely to first come in search of him (448).

How is he to recognize Bors?

by a scar on his forehead (448)

Who nurses Launcelot in the meantime?

Elaine (448)

How do Launcelot and Lavayne get the opportunity to test Launcelot’s fitness to go to the next tournament?

They send Elaine and Barnard into the forest to search for herbs (449).

What is the result?

Launcelot re-opens his wounds, faints, and falls to the ground (449).

He tells her that Launcelot’s wish to fight in the next tournament (the one on Allhallowmass) in her honor lead to his accidental reopening of his wound (449).

Does it work?

No, she curses Launcelot as a traitor (450).

He says he has never wished to marry (450).

What reason does Launcelot offer for not becoming her paramour?

He says that such an arrangement would shame her father and brother who have aided him (451).

What does he offer her?

He offers her a thousand-pound annuity if she will marry someone else (451).

Who else seeks Launcelot’s company?

Sir Lavayne, Elaine’s brother (451)

Sirs Aggravayne and Modred (451)

Who else refuses to welcome him?

Gwynevere (451)

Elaine dies of a broken heart because Launcelot rebuffs her (451 - 452).

What does Launcelot have to say about the heart and love?

“The heart must be free; it cannot be ordained whom we shall love.” (453)

What observation does Arthur add?

“. . . the knight who puts his heart in bondage loses himself.” (453)

What is the effect of the episode on Gwynevere?

She summons Launcelot and begs his forgiveness (453).

What is Launcelot’s response?

He reminds her that this is not the first time she has raged against him for no good reason but that he will abide by her forever nonetheless (453).

In the beginning, Gwynevere has come round to Launcelot’s way of thinking that rumor is an enemy to be averted (440). However, when she hears of the Fair Maid of Astolat’s feelings for Launcelot, she goes into a rage (447 & 450). At the end, she seeks Launcelot’s forgiveness - as she had done often before (453).

Arthur recognizes Launcelot when he sees his face (440). Gawain suspects Launcelot’s identity based on his swordsmanship and his horsemanhsip - but the favor Launcelot wears misleads him. Sir Badour thinks he recognizes Launcelot too, but Launcelot’s disfigurement stymies him. Then he does recognize Launcelolt by a scar - just as Eurycleia recognizes Odysseus’ scar and Electra recognizes Orestes’ hair.

Launcelot seems to have become less extreme and, perhaps, less hardy.

Especially, how does he now feel about disguise?

He accepts his weakness and willingly recuperates.

What about his comments on Gareth?

He disguises himself without concern about offending Gwynevere. He admires Gareth’s prowess but also his sweetness, forthrightness, and good will (450). Perhaps, he feels he has lost these qualities.

What about his reaction to Elaine’s request that he become her paramour?

He does not simply reject Elaine. Instead, he offers explanations such as his general unwillingness ever to marry. He even offers her money (451).

Arthur’s statement is ironic because he does indeed put his own heart in bondage to Gwynevere even though Merlin foretells that she will fall in love with Launcelot and ruin Arthur’s kingdom (453).

What does he mean when he says, “The heart must be free; it cannot be ordained whom it shall love”?

The statement means that love involves the surrender of the will to another.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 453 - 471.

Day 13

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 453 - 471 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

“The Great Tournament” (pp. 453-457)

February 2 - Candlemas (453)

She warns him never again to enter a tournament in disguise. She does not want his own kinsmen - or anyone else to harm him (454).

How will she ensure it?

She gives him her own gold sleeve to wear as his token (454).

Sir Brastius, a hermit (454)

Who wounds Launcelot?

a huntress (454)

Where (on his body)?

in his buttock (454)

The go as Saracens (454).

Who is the first to see through their disguises? How?

Sir Bors recognizes them - no doubt by the golden sleeve (455)

With whom does Gareth exchange armor?

He exchanges his armor for that of a wounded knight of West Britain (454).

Sir Gareth’s (456)

He commends Gareth for his chivalry and courage (457).

Sir Lavayne (the brother of Elaine, the Fair Maid of Astolat) has allied himself with Sir Launcelot (454).

Sir Bors, too, and - apparently - the rest of Launcelot’s kin also favor Launcelot.

Aside from these, Gareth feels he owes Launcelot much for knighting him (455) and for being his friend. He fights alongside Launcelot - even when Launcelot fights Gareth’s brother Gawain (456).

Sir Lavayne (the brother of Elaine, the Fair Maid of Astolat) has allied himself with Sir Launcelot (454).

Sir Bors, too, and - apparently - the rest of Launcelot’s kin also favor Launcelot.

Aside from these, Gareth feels he owes Launcelot much for knighting him (455) and for being his friend. He fights alongside Launcelot - even when Launcelot fights Gareth’s brother Gawain (456).

“The Knight of the Cart” (pp. 458-467)

May (458)

What is his definition of love?

It is the same force that reawakens the plants in spring (458).

Who/what must a man first love?

God (458)

What is the effect of the love a man feels for a woman?

It ennobles him (458).

What two qualities must love have?

It should be both fresh and temperate (458).

What was the strength and role of love in Camelot?

True love in Camelot could endure for seven years and more and remain fresh.

Knights bore arms and won glory to honor their lady loves (458).

Sirs Kay, Aggravayne, Brandiles, Sagamour, Dodynas, Ozanna, Ladynas, Persaunte, Ironside, and Pelleas (458)

What are they called?

the Queen’s Knights (458)

Who takes advantage of their small number?

Sir Mellyagraunce, son of King Bagdemagus (458)

Why had he not tried before?

He knew that he could not rival Sir Launcelot in the queen’s favor or on the field of combat (459).

What covenant does Gwynevere strike with him?

She agrees not to take her own life if Mellyagraunce agrees to spare the lives of her knights and to allow them to accompany her wherever he takes her (459).

A young page escapes and carries the news to Launcelot (460).

Whom does he select as his back-up?

Sir Lavayne (460)

How is he hindered?

He and his horse are attacked by Mellygraunce’s archers who fill the horse with forty arrows but do not kill it. Launcelot is forced to walk (460 - 461).

What does Launcelot have to say about the endangerment of a good man?

“A good man is never in danger except when he meets a coward.” (460)

How does he get to Mellygraunce’s castle?

He commandeers a cart to take him (461).

He goes up to the gate and calls on Mellygraunce and all his fellows to fight him to the death (461).

How does he prove his ferocity?

He breaks the porter’s neck with his gauntlet (461).

What is the effect on Mellyagraunce?

He runs cowering to Gwynevere to intercede on his behalf for mercy (461 -46 2).

What does Launcelot suspect when Gwynevere greets him?

He suspects that the queen had no need of rescuing (462).

What do Launcelot and Gwynevere arrange?

They arrange a nighttime tryst in her room (462).

He cuts his hands open as he pulls the iron bars from Gwynevere’s room (463).

What evidence leads Mellyagraunce to believe he now has Gwynevere at his advantage again?

When he finds blood stains on her sheets, he assumes that one of the wounded knights in her antechamber has been with her (463).

What belief emboldens him to accept Launcelot’s challenge?

He believes that God will determine the outcome on the basis of the queen’s manifest sinfulness (464).

What are the precise terms on which Launcelot challenges Mellyagraunce?

Launcelot warrants that not one of the ten knights in the antechamber slept with the queen - which is, of course, true (464). Mellyagraunce has not supposed that Launcelot himself visited the queen.

What does Malory say about treachery and suspicion?

He says that only treacherous people fear treachery in others (464).

How does Mellyagraunce ensure his victory?

He entraps Launcelot and has Lavayne’s horse hidden so that he may lead the younger knight to believe that Launcelot left on Lavayne’s mount (464 - 465).

The young noblewoman who brings his food requires only a kiss for his release (465).

Who volunteers to take Launcelot’s place as champion?

Sir Lavayne (466)

How does Launcelot avoid granting Mellyagraunce mercy?

He offers to fight Mellyagraunce without helmet or armor on his left side. In addition, he offers to have his left hand tied behind his back (466).

What is the outcome?

Launcelot splits his head open (467).

What is the effect on Arthur and Gwynevere?

They come to love Launcelot ever more dearly (467). [Gwynevere because Mellyagraunce could not give physical evidence to support the suspicion of her adultery. Arthur probably for the same reason.]

Although Launcelot passionately desires to fight - even to kill Mellyagraunce, he does not. He declines because Gwynevere instructs him to do so (462).

How is his old sin demonstrated?

When Gwynevere expresses her wish that Launcelot enter her bedchamber, he tears the bars off the windows and jumps eagerly into her bed despite the severest injuries to his hands (463). Still, he accepts suffering as God’s will (465).

Gwynevere’s words when Launcelot reaches Mellyagraunce’s castle and later at her chamber window are taken as commands by Launcelot.

Later, when she wishes Mellyagraunce dead, he kills him - despite his scruples against slaying a beaten man (466).

“The Healing of Sir Urry” (pp. 467-471)

Sir Alpheus, the son of an earl and a sorceress, wounded him in a battle inspired by their mutual jealousy (467).

What revenge is exacted upon Urry?

Sir Alpheus’ mother casts a spell upon him that prevents his wounds from healing (467).

What will break the spell?

Only the touch of the greatest knight on earth will break the spell (467).

How does Urry’s mother respond?

She orders a litter to carry Urry and to be pulled by two palfreys and accompanied by a page and her daughter in quest of the greatest knight in the world (467).

How long does the quest last?

seven years (467)

King Arthur (468)

What virtue do his words illustrate?

humility (468)

How many knights make the attempt?

110, not counting Launcelot (470)

King Uryens of Gore [refer to genealogical charts in students’ notes]

Sirs Gyngalyn, Florence, and Lovel (468)

Who are the sons of King Pellinore?

Sirs Agglovale, Durnor, Tore [Torre] {and Lamerok, deceased} (468)

Who are Sir Lucas and Sir Bedevere?

two brothers, Lucas is called the Butler, which indicates that he managed the court’s household needs. Bedivere plays a significant role later (469).

Who is Sir Constantyne?

He is a Cornish kinsman of Arthur who is Arthur’s designated heir (468)

Who is Sir Bors’ illegitimate son?

Sir Helyn le Blanke (469)

Who was “the most greatly loved and most deeply mourned of all knights of his time”?

Sir Tristram (469)

Sir Launcelot (470)

What values do his protest and his prayer illustrate?

humility, obedience, sincerity, and faith (470 - 471)

a diamond (471)

Who may not participate?

the most experienced knights (471)

Who serve as dual winners?

Sirs Lavayne and Urry (471)

To whom do both devote themselves?

Sir Launcelot (471)

Who marries Fileloy?

Sir Lavayne (471)

The healing of Sir Urry parallels Galahad’s healing of the Maimed King who was also under a kind of curse. It demonstrates the extent of Christian virtue in a worldly knight such as Launcelot.

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 472 - 490.

Day 14

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 472 - 490 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

LE MORTE D’ARTHUR

“Slander and Strife” (pp. 472-479)

Sirs Aggravayne and Modred (472)

In what month?

May (472)

Who among their brothers refuses to join them?

Sirs Gawain, Gareth, and Gaheris (472)

According to Gawain, what is Modred’s primary character trait?

Gawain says to Modred, “Your only pleasure lies in the discomfort of others…” (472).

What two reasons does Gawain offer against Modred and Aggravayne’s proposal?

Since Launcelot’s knightly prowess exceeds that of all others, who could prove such a charge? (473)

For how long has Arthur known about Launcelot and Gwynevere before this accusation?

for many years (473)

What explanation does Malory offer?

Malory says that though Arthur suspected the adultery, he loved both Launcelot and Gwynevere too much to force the issue with either one of them (473).

What are their real motives likely to be?

In fact, they most likely aim at bringing down the kingdom - since the exposure is likely to alienate Arthur and Launcelot irreconcilably (472-3).

How does this exposure of the affair change things? What does Arthur’s reason for never saying anything earlier say about his character?

Malory says, “…because of [Arthur’s] love for Sir Launcelot and for [Gwynevere], he had never wished to prove [the rumors about their affair]” (473).

Such an attitude bespeaks a tender and forgiving heart, ruled more by forgiveness than vengeance.

14 (473 -474)

Who - among members of Gawain’s family besides Aggravayne and Modred - participate? [See p. 468]

Sirs Gyngalyn, Florence, and Lovel - Gawain’s sons (473 - 474)

Sir Bors warns him against the treachery of Sirs Aggravayne and Modred (474).

Why does Launcelot go?

He says that he cannot refuse the summons of the queen (474).

What detail concerning the tryst does Malory leave in question?

Malory does not reveal what the queen and her knight do (474).

Whom does Launcelot believe will protect Gwynevere if he dies?

Sir Bors and his kin along with Sirs Lavayne and Urry (474)

What are both Gwynevere and Launcelot willing to do for the other?

die (474 - 475)

Sir Collgrevaunce (475)

What does Launcelot gain from that move?

armor (475)

What offer does he make to the remaining knights?

He promises to accept the challenge of their charges in the morning regarding the question of his sinning with the queen that night if they will disperse to their rooms (475).

Why do they decline?

They say the king has empowered them to take him alive or dead this night (475).

How many does Launcelot kill?

He kills thirteen knights in all (475).

How many (and who) escape?

One - Sir Modred

What does Launcelot believe the price for these lives will be?

He believes King Arthur will become his mortal foe (475).

What agreement do Launcelot and Gwynevere make?

Gwynevere says she will remain in the castle, but that if she is sentenced to burn at the stake, Launcelot will come to her rescue (475).

Sirs Lyonel, Ector de Marys, Blamoure, Bleobris, Gahalantyne, Galyhoden, Galyhud, Menaduke, Vyllyars, Hebes, Lavayne, Urry, Neroveus, Plenoryus, Harry, Selyes, Melyas, Bellengerus, Palomides, Safere, Clegis, Sadoke, Dynas, and Clarrus of Cleremount (476)

Which knights do you recognize from earlier adventures?

The students should at least remember Sirs Lyonel, Ector de Marys, Blamoure, Bleobris, Lavayne, Urry (476)

How many of the supporters does Bors muster?

another 120 knights from Cornwall and West Britain (476)

Why do they join Launcelot?

They swear allegiance to Launcelot in memory of Sir Tristram or Sir Lamerok (476).

What is Bors’ threefold plan of action?

Arthur feels saddened that Launcelot has been turned against him, for that change signals the end of the Order of the Round Table (478).

What is the king’s second grief?

He then muses that to uphold his dignity as king he must suffer his queen’s execution by burning at the stake (478).

What are the sentences for treason and adultery?

death and burning at the stake (478)

What is Gawain’s advice?

Gawain advises Arthur to defer judgment and to allow Launcelot to prove his innocence man to man. He believes that both the knight and the queen are innocent (478).

Why do his views surprise Arthur?

Arthur is surprised that Gawain speaks up on behalf of the man who killed his brother Aggravayne and his two sons - Florence and Lovel, and who wounded his half-brother, Modred (478).

What is Gawain’s explanation?

Gawain essentially says that they got what they deserved. After all, he had warned them against tangling with Launcelot and against dealing in scandal (478).

What order does Gawain refuse?

Gawain refuses to escort Gwynevere to the stake for burning (478).

Who accepts the command?

Gareth and Gaheris (478 - 479)

With what view of it?

They agree only because their king has commanded them, yet they hold his decision to be wrong (478).

The guards for the most part bear no arms out of sympathy for the queen whom they feel has been unjustly sentenced (479).

How many of them are killed?

more than 19 (479)

Whom do you recognize from earlier adventures?

Sir Gryfflet [the War of the Five Kings]

Sirs Agglovale and Torre [sons of King Pellinore]

Sir Damas [He usurped his brother’s estate in “Arthur and Accolon.”]

Sirs Pertelope and Perymones

[The Green Knight and the Puce Knight whom Gareth defeated and then spared.] (479)

Sirs Gareth and Gaheris

Whom does Launcelot himself kill?

Gareth and Gaheris (479)

Where does Launcelot take the queen?

Joyous Gard - his own castle (479)

6. List all of Gawain’s relatives killed by Launcelot in this section.

Launcelot kills Sirs Florence and Sir Lovel (Gawain’s sons) as well as Sir Aggravayne (Gawain’s brother) in the battle at the queen’s chamber door and Sirs Gareth and Gaheris (Gawain’s brothers) when he rescues Gwynevere from the stake.

The Vengeance of Sir Gawain" (pp. 479-490)

He grieves for the certain dissolution of the Round Table (480).

What defense is offered for Launcelot’s killing Gareth and Gaheris?

It is said that he killed them in the heat of battle and that he did not know who they were (480).

What is Arthur’s secondary grief?

He grieves for the loss of his queen, but he says, “I regret less the loss of my queen, for of queens I had my choice, than of our fellowship, which was surely without equal in all Christendom.” (480)

Whom does Arthur blame?

Sirs Aggravayne and Modred (480)

He says that he himself would have done the same as Launcelot - that is, he would rescue the queen (480).

What is his final response?

He calls upon King Arthur too muster his armies and declares he will muster his own to pursue Launcelot for killing his unarmed brothers. He promises he will not rest until he has killed Launcelot (481).

[NOTE that Gawain seems motivated most by Launcelot’s betrayal of the code of chivalry: Launcelot has done treachery against Gareth and Gaheris in that he killed unarmed men. Further, he killed Gareth who loved him above all other knights, including his own brothers. Ironically, it may be reasoned that Launcelot adhered to the code in rescuing Gwynevere in that his action protected a woman unjustly accused.]

Despite the wrath and vengefulness of Gawain, their remains much love between knights on either side (481).

What is Launcelot’s specific reason?

He has no will to bear arms against the man whom he still recognizes as his king (481).

How would Launcelot prefer to settle the case?

Launcelot would prefer to settle the case by a one-on-one combat with any knight who would openly accuse the queen of adultery - anyone, that is, except Arthur or Gawain, neither of whom he wishes to fight (481 - 482).

What does he believe would be the outcome?

The queen would be proved innocent [because he would defeat anyone who challenged him, taking up the cause of her guilt]. (482)

How does he justify his abduction of the queen?

He says he did not steal the queen from Arthur but from the fire to which Arthur had given her (482).

Of what fact does Launcelot remind Arthur to add an emotional kick?

He reminds him that this is not the first time he has saved the queen from the stake when she was unjustly accused (482).

He says that his rage prevented him from recognizing them - that he could as easily have killed his own cousin Bors at that time (482).

How does Gawain respond?

He insists that Launcelot killed them to spite Gawain [for what cause Gawain does not say] and that they shall now and forever be mortal enemies (482).

What is Launcelot’s response?

He points out that Gawain alone stands between King Arthur and Launcelot (482).

How does Launcelot compare his record to Gawain’s?

He asserts that he himself never killed an innocent knight and that he has always fought in self-defense or in a rightful quarrel (482). [Launcelot seems to overlook that Gareth and Gaheris were innocent unless he regards them as involved in the unjust execution of Gwynevere.]

He continues by reminding Gawain that Gawain killed Lamerok by treachery rather than by a righteous jousting (482 - 483).

Arthur wants to reconcile with Launcelot because he loves both Gwynevere and Launcelot deeply (483).

When Launcelot decides to do battle, what plea does he make and to whom?

He beseeches Arthur and Gawain not to meet him on the field (483). [He has no desire to fight either of them.]

He orders them to concentrate their attack directly on Launcelot’s person (483).

What are Launcelot’s orders to his men?

He orders them to spare Gawain and Arthur at whatever cost (483).

Who is the first to encounter Gawain?

Sir Lyonel (483) [He is overthrown but not killed]

How does Bors almost end the battle?

He unhorses Arthur and is about to kill him (484).

Who prevents him? Why? How?

Launcelot prevents Bors from killing Arthur because he cannot bear to see his liege killed. In fact, he assists the king in remounting his horse (484).

Bors (484)

What is the outcome of that encounter?

Each is deeply wounded and lead off the field (484).

Ultimately, what does the encounter’s outcome lead Launcelot to do?

Launcelot is moved to forget his scruples against fighting the king’s forces with all his might (484).

What prevents Launcelot’s crushing Arthur’s army that day?

pure pity (484)

the Pope (484 - 485)

How? [Include the terms.]

He issues a papal bull ordering King Arthur to reconcile with Launcelot and to restore the queen without prejudice on pain of interdict (484 - 485). [NOTE that the Pope acts in response to the political need for the stability of Arthur’s realm which includes all of Western Europe.]

The Pope intervenes, according to Malory, out of respect for King Arthur’s virtue and Sir Launcelot’s prowess. [However, with England as the secular head of the Roman Empire in the person of King Arthur who conquered it, the Pope may see the political wisdom in maintaining the status quo in England - and, hence, in Europe.]

Arthur is now motivated by frustration over the division of his order and kingdom and by a strict adherence to the letter of the law: Launcelot and Gwynevere are traitors; they must die. He must also sting from the public airing of his wife and his best friend’s affair.

What once positive trait of Arthur as a leader has now degenerated into a fault?

He once acted wisely in seeking and following the advice of his courtiers - especially that of Merlin and Pellinore. However, now he allows Gawain to think for him and to act in his name.

What does he regret even more than the loss of Gwynevere? What does such a regret suggest about his values as a leader?

Even more than the loss of his wife and queen, Arthur regrets the dissolution of the fellowship of the Round Table through such base matters.

This regret suggests on the one hand that his devotion to his people as witnessed in his concern for the welfare of the Order of the Round Table is supreme. On the other, it indicates a confusion of values: marriage, kingship, and friendship.

To what does Gawain refuse to agree?

He refuses to reconcile with Launcelot (485). [Since Arthur seems to have abdicated his leadership to Gawain, Gawain is calling the shots.]

How does Arthur respond to Launcelot’s words?

He weeps (485).

its magnificence and its humility (486)

What is Launcelot’s interpretation of the events of the night the fourteen knights attacked him at the queen’s chamber door?

He says that Aggravayne and Modred were motivated not by a desire to save Arthur’s honor but by their wish to incriminate the queen and to destroy Launcelot’s honor. He asserts that only by the grace of God could he have overcome so many though unarmed. Finally, he declares that he had no sooner entered the queen’s chamber than Aggravayne and Modred yelled “Traitor!” (486)

Of what debts does Launcelot remind Arthur and Gawain?

He states that his honor derives from the many time he and his kin fought at the forefront in tournaments and battles rescuing King Arthur and his forces. He reminds Gawain that he saved Gaheris from Sir Terquine Gawain himself from King Carados of the Dolorous Tower (486 - 487).

What does Launcelot have to say about Gareth and Gaheris’ deaths?

He wishes they had both been armed and that he had killed his own kin instead (487).

What penitential offer does he make?

He offers to make a pilgrimage from Sandwich to Carlisle, founding a hermitage every ten miles where candles will be lit and prayers offered for Gareth and Gaheris (487).

He declares that if Arthur reconciles with Launcelot, he and his house will leave Arthur’s service and realm (487).

What sentence does he declare and what promise does he make against Launcelot?

He banishes Launcelot and promises that within fifteen days he will search out Launcelot and prove his cause body to body (487 - 488).

What does Launcelot now say about his agreement to the papal bull?

He regrets that he ever returned the queen to Arthur

How does Launcelot’s departure affect the court?

Everyone - except Gawain - weeps (488).

He renames it Dolorous Gard [Sad Castle] (488).

What does he do rather than war against Arthur?

He divides his lands equally among his followers (489).

Where do he and his supporters go?

They depart Cardiff in England for Benwick in France (489).

What are the first three honors he confers and upon whom?

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 490 - 507.

Day 15

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have read pp. 490-507 of Le Morte D’Arthur and should have prepared the corresponding study questions in their packets.

Activities:

“The Siege of Benwick” (pp. 490-494)

Sir Modred (490)

What tactic does Arthur pursue in France?

He lays waste the land as he passes through it (490).

What is Launcelot’s response?

He decides to sue for peace, for peace is always preferable to war and the spilling of Christian blood (490).

What is Gawain’s counsel - and his rationale for it?

He urges Arthur to continue the war lest they become a laughingstock (491).

How does Arthur feel?

Arthur wishes to reconcile (491).

What is Gawain’s personal message to Launcelot?

He will not cease to strive with Launcelot until one of them is dead (491).

When will Launcelot fight?

He will fight against Arthur only when he and his men are directly endangered (491).

He rides beneath the castle walls and calls upon a challenger to joust with him (492).

Who are his first two opponents?

Bors and Lyonel (492)

What is the outcome each time?

Gawain overthrows each of them (492).

How long does the siege last?

at least six months (492)

What about Gawain’s challenge obliges Launcelot to fight him?

Gawain accuses Launcelot of being a traitor to both the king and Gawain - and of being a coward (492).

How willingly does Launcelot go to the encounter?

He goes reluctantly and with a heavy heart at having to face one of Arthur’s own relatives in mortal combat (492).

He is astonished and struck with the realization that Launcelot has not been boasting in regard to his forbearance hitherto (492).

What accounts for Launcelot’s difficulty in overcoming Gawain swiftly?

An enchantment cast on Gawain in his youth causes his strength to increase steadily until noon at which time it returns slowly to normal (493).

What does Launcelot decide to do?

He decides to fight defensively and to conserve his strength (493).

What blow ends that day’s fight?

a sidelong blow to Gawain’s helmet (493)

He Arthur grieves not only for this quarrel with Launcelot but also for the seriousness of Gawain’s wounds (493).

What blow ends the second encounter between Launcelot and Gawain?

Launcelot reopens Gawain’s head wound (494).

Why does Launcelot not kill Gawain?

He refuses to strike a fallen knight (494).

Gawain continues to be motivated by vengeance and a warped sense of honor (481).

Launcelot continues to be motivated by respect and love for Arthur. He responds to Gawain’s challenge only because chivalric honor requires it of him.

Arthur seems less in control and more confused than ever before. One might even say he has been broken.

“The Day of Destiny” (pp. 495-502)

He circulates false letters that announce Arthur’s death in France and calls a parliament that elects him king (495).

What is his next outrage?

He attempts to make Gwynevere his wife (495).

How does Gwynevere handle his desire?

She pretends to agree then flees to the Tower of London with the help of nobles still loyal to her (495).

Who speaks against Modred?

the Archbishop of Canterbury (495)

What does the Archbishop do to Modred?

He curses and excommunicates him (495).

Where does the archbishop go?

to Glastonbury (495)

What does he do there?

He leads the life of a hermit, seeking divine intercession in the affairs of the land (495).

What does Modred attempt to do to him?

He tries to assassinate him (495).

news of King Arthur’s and his armies’ return from France (495)

Why do the barons rally to Modred?

In their fickleness, they assert that Arthur’s reign lead them into war and hardship while Modred’s will lead them into peace and festivity (496).

Where is their first encounter?

Dover on the coast where Arthur’s ships must dock (496)

He has been mortally wounded (496).

How has his attitude changed toward the war against Launcelot?

He sees it only as the source of the usurpation of the kingdom by Modred (496).

Toward Launcelot himself?

He repents of his stubborn bitterness (496).

What two requests does he make of Launcelot?

On what date does Gawain die?

May 10 [the month of love] (497)

Baron Down (497)

Where and when is the third encounter?

Salisbury Down (497)

He falls into a deep dark well teeming with dragons, serpents, and wild beasts (497).

What is the message of the second dream?

Call a truce for a month, granting Modred any terms he likes until Launcelot arrives. If you do not you will die (498).

Where is Gawain in the afterlife? Why?

He is in Heaven because he repented in the end and because the noblewomen whose righteous causes he fought for prayed for him (498).

Sir Lucas and Sir Bedivere (498)

What are the terms?

They are to grant Modred - within reason - any terms he wants. Modred takes Cornwall and Kent now and will be declared the successor upon Arthur’s death (498).

What command do both Arthur and Modred give their troops before going to sign the truce?

Each orders his men to attack at the first sight of a naked sword (498).

What precipitates the battle?

A soldier - no one knows whose - takes out his sword to kill an adder (498).

Modred, Arthur, Bedivere, and Lucas (499).

What would Arthur have preferred?

He would prefer having died himself to having to witness the death of nearly everyone of his forces (499).

Why does Arthur go against Modred at this point?

Arthur no longer cares anything for his own life. Further, he fears that if he does not kill Modred now, there may never be another chance to do so (499).

What is the outcome for both Arthur and Modred?

Each kills the other. Modred, apparently, dies immediately while Arthur holds on for a while. Arthur runs Modred through with his spear. Modred wounds Arthur mortally in the side of the head (499).

Part of his intestines break through a wound in his stomach (500).

What is the last command Arthur gives Sir Bedivere?

he orders Bedivere to throw Excalibur into the lake (500).

Why does he fail the task twice?

He feels the sword is far too beautiful to abandon to the water (500).

What happens the third time?

He throws the blade and a hand rises from the water, brandishes it three times, and withdraws Excalibur into the lake (500).

What is the last request Arthur makes of Bedivere?

He asks Bedivere to help him to the edge of the lake (500 - 501).

What explanation does Arthur offer Bedivere?

He says that the women will take him to Avalon on the barge to be healed of his wound (501).

What story does Bedivere hear the next morning? From whom?

He hears that a company of ladies brought the king’s body to a hermitage at midnight for burial (501).

What change does Bedivere make in his life?

He abandons his life as a knight to become a monk (501).

Who recorded the story of Arthur’s death?

Sir Bedivere (501)

What do some believe about Arthur?

Some believe that Arthur did not die and that he will return (502)

What does Malory believe?

Malory believes that he is dead and at peace in his tomb at Glastonbury (502).

What is the inscription on Arthur’s tomb?

HIC IACET ARTHURUS, REX QUONDAM REXQUE FUTURUS

“Here lies Arthur, the once and future king” (502)

10. Why is it appropriate that Modred cause the final downfall of Arthur’s kingdom?

Modred is the living example of Arthur’s greatest moral fault – his incestuous affair with Margawse, his half-sister. Modred is the crack in the Round Table, the breach in Camelot’s ideal walls. The Archbishop of Canterbury reminds Modred that he is in a sense repeating history (495).

[NOTE: Malory’s comment on the fickleness of the people of Britain (495-496) is, no doubt, the expression of an opinion about his own time.]

11. Why does Arthur attack Modred despite Gawain’s prophecy?

Arthur attacks Modred for the same reason Modred attacks Arthur. A knight - Malory does not say whose knight - draws his sword to kill a serpent. Both leaders have given orders that no fighting begin until a naked sword is spotted (498).

Arthur’s personal combat with Modred is motivated by sheer determination to eliminate the threat that Modred poses to honor, to chivalry, to civilization, or to the memory of Arthur’s kingdom (499). Even life itself comes second in Arthur’s view of what is right.

12. What is the effect of giving two versions of Arthur’s “end”? Why are these three particular ladies named? What is the significance of the inscription on Arthur’s tomb?

Malory’s ambiguity concerning Arthur’s “passing” imparts an element of mystery that is appropriate to this medieval romance. At the same time, it contributes to the immortality of the legend: indeed, as long as the tale lives, Arthur lives.

The inscription on Arthur’s tomb [“Here lies Arthur, the once and future king.”] emphasizes that sense of mystery by suggesting that Arthur will return.

The reasoning behind Malory’s identification of the three ladies is completely an OPEN QUESTION.

“The Dolorous Deaths…” (pp. 502-507)

She becomes a nun and does penance for her years of carnal sin and vanity (502).

Modred (502)

When did he have an opportunity to do so?

He might have killed Modred at the door to the queen’s chamber when he killed Aggravayne and twelve others.

Queen Gwynevere (503)

How is this quest like the Grail Quest (in terms of travelling companions)?

He goes alone - as did each knight who sought the Grail (503)

What does Gwynevere tell him of her new motivation?

She now lives a life that will lead her to Heaven (503).

Who now in Heaven was as sinful as she and Launcelot?

Gawain [in fact, everyone]

What three charges does she give Launcelot?

What is Launcelot’s response?

He declares that he will imitate her and go to the monastery to pray for both of them (504).

What is Launcelot’s last request of her?

He asks for a last kiss (504).

What is her response?

She tells him that they must never again kiss (504).

He next finds himself at Glastonbury at the king’s tomb (504).

What change does he make in his life there?

He joins the monastery and leads a life of fasting, repentance, and prayer (504).

Sir Lyonel had been killed along with his six companions as they rode to search for Launcelot in London (504).

Who are the knights who set out in quest of Launcelot?

Sirs Lyonel, Bors, Ector, Blamoure, and Bleobris (504)

Who finds Launcelot?

Sirs Bors, Galyhud, Blamoure, Bleobris, Vyllyars, Clarrus, and Gahalantyne (505)

What do all seven do?

They live as holy hermits (505).

For how long?

for six years (505)

He picks up Gwynevere’s body at Amesbury and takes it to be buried (505).

How does he symbolically return Gwynevere to Arthur?

He buries Gwynevere’s body beside Arthur’s at Glastonbury (505).

How does seeing the double tomb affect Launcelot?

He faints (506).

To what realization does he come?

For the first time he fully realizes the terrible cost of his selfish love and pride in loving the queen as he did (506).

How long does he live?

little more than six weeks (506)

Where is he buried?

at Joyous Gard (506)

What causes the Archbishop of Canterbury to laugh in his sleep?

In a dream he sees a blissful vision of Launcelot borne to Heaven by angels (506).

Who delivers the eulogy for Launcelot?

Sir Ector de Marys, his brother (507)

Constantyne, son of Sir Cador of Cornwall (507)

What becomes of Bedivere?

He lives the rest of his days as a hermit at Glastonbury (507).

What become of Gahalantyne, Galyhoden, Vyllars, and Clarrus?

Each returns to his own country and lives as a hermit (507).

Where and when do Bors, Ector, Blamoure, and Bleobris die?

They all die in the Holy Land on Good Friday during a battle fought to take the Holy Land from Saracen hands (507).

8. What is the significance of Launcelot and Gwynevere’s final meeting in life? Following her death?

The significance of Launcelot and Gwynevere’s final meeting in life is that it finally ends their affair - and does so in most Christian terms. Gwynevere’s new life as a nun is motivated by her repentance for an illicit love that wrought her husband and king’s death – as well as the ruin of his kingdom. In a sense, she has returned to fidelity to Arthur. The meeting also spells the end of Sir Launcelot’s passion. His realization that he could not achieve the Grail Quest conjoined with his inability to possess Gwynevere (and his equal inability to save Arthur) now make of his life a failure - except that he, too, may find succor in faith.

His burial of Gwynevere’s body brings Launcelot to understand – as Gwynevere had come to understand earlier - how profound his betrayal of Arthur had been (506). He repents of his “selfish love and pride” and, in a sense, returns Gwynevere to Arthur when he buries her body beside the king’s.

9. What is the significance of the events surrounding Launcelot’s death?

Launcelot’s vision of his own death parallels the divine message delivered to Galahad before his death. The archbishop’s dream and the sweet aroma coming from Launcelot’s body indicate Launcelot’s salvation (506-7).

10. What is the significance of Malory’s closing words?

Malory’s closing request emphasizes his Christian view and links his hopes to the death he has just detailed (507).

Assignment for next class meeting: Prepare for test over Le Morte D’Arthur.

Day 16

Assignment to have been completed: Students should have prepared for the Mega-Test over Le Morte D’Arthur.

Activities:

Assignment for next class meeting: Read pp. 92-121 in Tristan and Isolt. Do the corresponding study questions in the packet.