How Does Sir Lancelot Show Loyalty In Le Morte D Arthur

During The Middle Ages, there was a lack of central government, so in order to keep the peace; Medieval Europe was required to create their own. Within this new government, there were four main socials classes; known as Kings, Nobles, Knights, and Peasants. They were all critical parts of the society, but one group specifically was the most essential to the feudal system, and they were the knights. During this Era, they were required to Abide by a Code of Chivalry in order to be sworn in as a knight. In Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte D’Arthur Sir Lancelot is one of the main knights of King Arthur. By examining Sir Lancelot’s desire for peace, reluctance to shed Christian blood, and devotion towards King Arthur, his courageous and heroic qualities, it is clear that he is the epitome of an honorable knight.

In Le Morte D’Arthur Sir Lancelot displays loyalty to his army, as well as King Arthur.

He believes that suing for peace is a better than war itself. “My lords, I am reluctant to shed Christian blood in a war against my own liege, and yet I do not know that these lands have already suffered depredation in the wars between King Claudas and my father and my uncle, King Ban, and King Bors. Therefore I will next send a messenger to King Arthur and sue for peace, for peace is always preferable to war.” (Malory 227). Sir Lancelot also exemplifies the qualities of chivalry in Le Morte D'Arthur. During The Medieval Times, the Code of Chivalry was a moral system that knights obeyed. This went beyond the rules and expectations that knights should depict. The Code of Chivalry was also emphasized using sacred oaths and vows that the knights took during swearing ceremonies. As a knight that displays chivalry, Sir Lancelot is able to control temper and his aggressive side by choosing to enforce peace over

war.

Throughout the legend, Sir Lancelot’s continually shows his courageous and heroic qualities, as well as consummate strength. “ King Arthur was astonished his strength and realized that Sir Lancelot had not been boasting when he claimed with acted with forbearance.”( Malory 229). As a knight, he displays loyalty during battle and a massive amount of bravery. “For I have promised to do the battle to the uttermost, by faith of my body, while me lasteth the life, and therefore I had liefer to die with honour than to live with shame..” (Malory 230) This shows that he is courageous and possess honorable qualities, for wanting to risk his life to worship and fight for his leader.

Sir Lancelot often shows devotion and loyalty towards his King. He offers to go to battle for him, and he refuses to physically engage with his king or any of the other knights. He says, “My Lord King Arthur, it is with a heavy heart that I set forth to do battle with one of your own blood; but now it is incumbent upon my honor to do so. For six months I have suffered your majesty to lay my lands waste and to besiege me in my own city. My courtesy is repaid with insults, so deadly and shameful that now I must Force the arms seek redness.” (Malory, 228) This not only displays his noble qualities but his devotion to his king and the people he protects.

If Sir Lancelot has any more characteristics to describe his loyalty and honorable qualities, they weren’t displayed in the legend. By examining Sir Lancelot’s desire for peace, reluctance to shed Christian blood, and devotion towards King Arthur, his courageous and heroic qualities, it is clear that he is the epitome of an honorable knight. As it is depicted throughout Le Morte D’Arthur it is clear that Sir Lancelot is an honorable knight.