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Arthurian Legend. From Word of Mouth to Pen. Write a 1-Sentence Story. Think of a 1-sentence story (something simple) then write it down. Now, pass it back…. …and EMBELLISH it (add details to make the story more fantastic/attractive). Origins of…. Beowulf Iliad Three Little Pigs.
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Arthurian Legend From Word of Mouth to Pen
Write a 1-Sentence Story • Think of a 1-sentence story (something simple) then write it down.
Now, pass it back… • …and EMBELLISH it (add details to make the story more fantastic/attractive)
Origins of… • Beowulf • Iliad • Three Little Pigs
Essential Question: • What happens when a story from oral tradition gets written down? What do you gain? What do you lose?
Man or Legend? Painting by Charles Ernest Butler (1903)
DEFINITION of Legend • Legend: A story (or group of stories) told about a particular person or place. Encyclopedia Britannica
A&E’s King Arthur: His Life and Legends Watch this!
Embellishing Arthur • 5th-6th Century Celtic King? • ( ? – 1100 C.E.) Celtic stories • Near mythic figure • (1138 C.E.) Monmouth’s The History of the Kings of England • Great King / Military leader
Geoffrey of Monmouth • History of the Kings of England • Presented as a “history” • based on an “ancient book” of British history that he alone had. • Arthur & Merlin are woven into a grand history of English kings
Why Write it? For Whom? • 1066 C.E. – Norman Conquest • For a European (Norman) audience (written in Latin) • Geoffrey’s History fills “gaps” in knowledge • Makes Britons seem grand (European connections) • Makes Norman conquest seem legitimate See “Geoffrey of Monmouth” in the “Camelot Project” (Rochester University)
AGAIN!!?!?! (9:00-11:52) • Answer in your notes… • Who was Chrétien de Troyes? • How did his Arthurian “model” differ from Geoffrey’s? • What is Chivalry?
Chrétien de Troyes • Great French Writer • Wrote entertaining narratives about King Arthur (1160-85 C.E.) • Invented “heroic model” for Arthur • (“single hero adventure”) • Not just about fighting, about upholding “Chivalry”
What is Chivalry? • The medieval system, principles and customs of knighthood • bravery • courtesy • honor • gallantry toward women (thefreediectionary.com)
Medieval Romance • Literary form developed in France • Mid 12th century • narrative of many quests(“single hero adventures”) • Characterized by Chivalry • Teaches Chivalric values (including courtly love)
Quest • Each quest represents the pursuit of a virtue • Ex. Quest for Holy Grail = seeking oneness with God
Purpose: Teach Readers • Characters actions serve as EXAMPLES • To teach VIRTUES (Chivalry) • Loyalty to God, King, and your Lady • Bravery • Courtesy to all (but NOT the infidel!)
Beowulf vs. Arthur • Q: How does a work of literature reflect the values of the people/culture of the era?
Arthurian Investigation • With your group, prepare a short (~ 2 min) presentation about your assigned topic • Take responsibility for your role • Help group members with their roles
For the Presentation • Teach the rest of the class • Use assigned questions to help guide your presentation • Work together to present • Presentation leader organizes, but at least 2 members should speak • See rubric
During Presentations • Be respectful and attentive! • Peers = teachers • (part of your grade) • Take notes! • Important information • Will help with the HW
Essential Question: What happens when a story from oral tradition gets written down?