Arthurian Legends

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Recommended: Medieval period

When looking back at the medieval ages, one may realize that the knights had many extraordinary abilities- they were like superheroes. In different Arthurian Legends, like The Crowning of Arthur, Arthur Becomes King, and Sir Launcelot du Lake, many people admire the person who has these inhumane abilities. Arthur and Sir Launcelot are both characters that initially seem like ordinary people, but show their superior strength and power by the end of the story. Arthur releases a sword from a stone that not even the strongest man can pull out, while Sir Launcelot murders a knight who is known to be an undefeated fighter. Because of these actions, both characters grew to fame. Sir Thomas Malory and T. H. White use unique abilities to exhibit the theme that one should never underestimate who they are and their capabilities in doing something. In the story, The Crowning of Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory, Arthur shows an unrealistic ability of strength. While everyone in the town was at a jousting tournament, Arthur, who was known as a peasant, went to fetch his brother’s sword because it was left at home. Since everyone was at the fight, the lodging doors were locked. Arthur did not want to leave his brother hopeless, so he decided to ride to Saint Paul’s because he heard there was a sword that was wedged in a stone there. With nobody being present, Arthur pulled the sword from the stone without reading any of the signs that were posted. When he gave the weapon to his brother, Arthur was informed he was now the King of Britain because he was able to remove it, something that only the true born king could do (Malory, The Crowning of Arthur 1069). Arthur started as a peasant and grew to be king because of his ability to be able to pull o... ... middle of paper ... ...ructure of a mysterious birth which ties into the theme, one should never think less of who they really are. Finally, the lasting effect that Arthurian legends have on modern day literature and culture may include inspiring young men and possibly women to become warriors and to remain chivalrous. Be thankful for Arthurian Legends because they allow respect to distinguish around the world. Works Cited Malory, Sir Thomas. “Sir Launcelot du Lake.” Literature. Ed. Applebee, Arthur et. al. NY, New York: McDougal Littell, 2006. 1073-1079. Print. Malory, Sir Thomas. “The Crowning of Arthur.” Literature. Ed. Applebee, Arthur et. al. NY, New York: McDougal Littell, 2006. 1065-1071. Print. White, T.H.. "Arthur Becomes King." Adventures in Appreciation. Ed. McDermott, Caryn et. al. NY, New York: Holt Rinehart, and Winston, 1996. 753-762. Print.

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