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The Medieval Period 1066-1485 and Arthurian Legends

The Medieval Period 1066-1485 and Arthurian Legends. Land and The Feudal System. William “the Conquerer ” and the Normans invade and take over Anglo-Saxon lands -- Feudalism began

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The Medieval Period 1066-1485 and Arthurian Legends

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  1. The Medieval Period 1066-1485and Arthurian Legends

  2. Land and The Feudal System • William “the Conquerer” and the Normans invade and take over Anglo-Saxon lands -- Feudalism began • Feudalism: no one owned land independently but only as a vassal of an overlord who in turn owed allegiance either to some great noble or to the king. • Inventory of all property (land, animals, etc.) in “Domesday Book” to avoid disputes Answer Question #1

  3. The Medieval Church • Society had a common set of beliefs – all united under the Church • Language of the Church = Latin, which became the language of the educated (all religious members were educated) • No separation of Church and State – all people were loyal to the King and the Church • Church prospered by teaching, writing, translating, copying and distributing literature about the church Answer Question #2

  4. Medieval Life • Most people lived in the country and were attached to a feudal manor – • worked on lands or with herds of the lord of the manor to whom they owed their allegiance • Production of wool led to merchant class • Merchants developed “gilds” which regulated prices and standards for various professions Answer Question #3

  5. Creation of Arthurian Tales • Tales were created to fill a psychological need for stability, roots, and mystique for the people • They provided entertainment & moral ideals • Also, most importantly, for the new Norman ruler, King Henry II Answer Question #4

  6. Involvement of King Henry II • When King Henry II assumed the throne, he wanted to prove a non-existent link with England’s historical roots • He traced his roots back to Arthur and they solidified the connection by naming his first son Arthur • Thus, he provided a successor to the legend, but young Arthur died Answer Question #5

  7. The History of King Arthur • King Arthur was said to have been a great Saxon king from the 6th century who was a Christian • He unified the tribal kingdoms & led his people against the invading Saxons • He IS an historical figure who had fighting success, but maybe not an actual king • He was born around 470 and died around 550 somewhere in the Southwest of England Answer Question #6

  8. The Grave of King Arthur • King Henry II needed proof of Arthur’s death and in 1190 at Glastonbury Abbey an engraved slab of stone & a sword were found • Nine feet deeper a coffin with a skeleton of a tall man with a damaged skull was found as well as a skeleton of Guenivere. • By re-entombing the skeletons Arthur “now officially belonged to the Norman rulers” Answer Question #7

  9. Arthurian Romances • Definition: a group of Medieval tales in prose and verse concerning King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table • Court known for its prowess and culture, peace & stability Answer Question #8

  10. Arthurian Romances • Fact or Fiction? • Through storytelling that mixed mythological, legendary, and romantic elements Arthur has become largely fictitious • There is little, if any, real evidence from his day Answer Question #9

  11. Arthurian Legends: Elements • Courtly Love • Lover’s willingness to serve his lady, no matter what feats of bravery and endurance he might be required to perform • Knights were expected to abide by the “rules of courtly love” Answer Question #10

  12. Arthurian Legends: Elements • Chivalry • Kings & Lords had groups of loyal knights ready to serve them and protect them • Knights had to be: physically strong, experienced horsemen, and well trained in the use of weapons • After the threat of invasion diminished, the moral qualities of the Knights changed Answer Question #11

  13. Arthurian Legends: Elements • Chivalry, cont. • The moral qualities of Knights were: • absolutely loyal to the Lord • dutiful in defending those weaker than themselves • they always had to fight fair • always show courage • swear to defend all women against unfair oppression and uphold their honor in every circumstance • believe in glory of a good name • had to make good on his word • be unfailingly polite and courteous Answer Question #12

  14. Arthurian Legends: Elements • Themes & Motifs to watch for: • Courtly love • Danger of disguise • Woman as downfall • Chivalry • Brutal Violence • Human nature vs. human beliefs/codes • Mystical occurrences Answer Question #13

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