The Marriage of King Arthur

Thinking about Selection

3. On the day that Arthur weds Guenevere, he also knights Gawain, his nephew.

4. Arthur swears to his knights that they should never do anything outrageous or commit murder, always to avoid treason, don’t be cruel, to give mercy to those who ask for it, always aid and help ladies, and not to fight against the law or for worldly goods.

5. The significance of Leodegrance’s gift to Arthur was that he provided Arthur with a wife, his daughter Guenevere, which would make stability in his kingdom.  He also provided him with a table and 100 knights to also help protect and defend Arthur’s kingdom.

6. Elements of both magic and religion in the story are Merlin, a pagan, and the Bishop of Canterbury blessing the sieges.

Understanding Chivalry

1. The code of conduct that Arthur establishes for his knights is to never do anything outrageous or commit murder, always to avoid treason, don’t be cruel, to give mercy to those who ask for it, always aid and help ladies, and not to fight against the law or for worldly goods.

2. Merlin’s response to Arthur about marrying Guenevere fits in with the idea of chivalry in the way that he tells Arthur that he must have only one wife that he loves, and be loyal to her.

3. Chivalry is still alive in some sense in the modern world, although it is not often followed.  “Being a gentleman” is still sometimes practiced, although modern feminists movements are devoted to ending this modern form of chivalry.