Theme Of Bravery In Le Morte D Arthur

Bravery can be defined as a courageous act or behavior. Throughout the novel, Le Morte D’Arthur, bravery is a key theme and as a whole it is what shapes the characters and the book. Examples of bravery in the novel are; when people put themselves in danger for love, the infamous Knights of the Round Table, and the many battles that occur throughout the entire story. Between all of the many characters throughout this book, Sir Thomas Mallory, the author of Le Morte D’Arthur, uses King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, and The Knights of the Round Table when he is depicting bravery throughout this classic novel.

King Arthur can be described as the compassionate, wise, and strong leader of his country Camelot. Every decision he makes he thinks about his

country, and what would be best for it. He abides by the laws and does not abuse his powers as King. Throughout the entire book he put himself in danger, fights for what he believes in, and does what is right, even if it means hurting the ones that he loves. For example, in book eight, The Death of King Arthur, Aggravain and Mordred hear about the love affair between Sir Lancelot and Guinevere. Aggravain and Mordred are so furious, that they run and tell King Arthur immediately. Although he wanted to follow his heart, King Arthur followed the law instead and had Guinevere to be executed at once. That took bravery because he had to hurt the one he loves in order to do what is right and what he believes in.
Being the Leader of The Knights of the Round Table, King Arthur has to set a great example to his men, and the way that he does that is through being brave. For example, in Of
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Nenive and Morgan Le Faye, it says, “But always Sir Arthur lost so much blood that it was marvel he stood on his feet, but he was so full of knighthood that he endured the pain”(pg.66). This passage shows that he is brave and “full of knighthood.” It also shows that he was brave because of the amount of courage it took to keep on fighting.
When Sir Thomas Mallory wrote the book Le Morte D’Arthur, he described Sir Lancelot as the best, most-skilled knight that King Arthur has in the Royal Court.

The reason why he is the best knight is because he is loyal (for the most part), courageous, and brave. He uses that loyalty and bravery all throughout the book. For example, when he is in the king’s court helping fight for his country, or when he is on his many adventures with The Knights of the Round Table, and when he fights for the love of his life, Queen Guenivere.

One of Sir Lancelot’s first adventures was going to save some knights from a dungeon. He fought to save them, and that took a tremendous act of courage to do that. Although he was a great knight, sometimes his love for Guinevere clouded his judgement. In the book, The Death of Arthur, King Arthur had Queen Guinevere sent off to be executed. Right before execution, Sir Lancelot came in and saved her. Sir Thomas Mallory uses Sir Lancelot to show what a true brave knight is.

There were 150 Knights of the Round Table in the story, Le Morte D’Arthur. To be a part of the Knights of the Round Table, each person has to have specific qualities. Some of those qualities include honoring God in everything, be honest and trustworthy, and do not in any way do anything to dishonor what it is to be a Christian Knight. The Knights are men of courage, honor, dignity, and they are very noble. They vow to protect and help the men and women

who
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were in need. They laid down their lives for the King and Queen of the country and they go on many dangerous adventures. One of which being the search for the Holy Grail. Between all these adventures that were filled with danger, and while they were serving and protecting they’re country. All 150 of the Knights of the Round Table were brave, but Mallory makes everyone’s bravery different.
Some of the most infamous Knights from the Round Table are King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, Sir Kay, Sir Bors, and Sir Gawain. They were all greatly respected by many people. King Arthur greatly respected these knights because of the all the great knighthood and bravery they showed in the face of danger.
Throughout the Arthurian legend about love and adventure and betrayal, Sir Thomas Mallory taught us to fight for what is right, and to follow our hearts. He used King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, the Knights of the Round Table and many others to set an example of bravery.