James Baquet

    Last time we examined the scant historical basis for stories of King Arthur, and legends of his youth. Today we’ll follow him into his adult career, as told by Sir Thomas Malory in his “Le Morte d’Arthur,” a significant title, as it means “The Death of Arthur” in French.

    In a rather sordid affair, Merlin--who had also engineered the rape of Arthur’s mother by his father — arranged for Arthur to sleep with his own half-sister (unbeknownst to him). The result of this incestuous incident was Mordred, who, as we shall see, will bring about Arthur’s downfall.

    In a story with a happier tone — temporarily, at least — Arthur won and wed the fair Guinevere. Her father, the petty king Leodegrance, had served Arthur’s father Uther, and the famous Round Table had been given to him for safekeeping. He turned it over to Arthur — Uther’s rightful heir — as a sort of dowry.

    The Round Table was a symbol of equality; as there was no “head” or “foot,” no one could be above or below another. Eventually there gathered around the Table such knights as Galahad, Percival, Bedivere, and — fatefully, Lancelot.

    Several of the knights set out in search of the “Holy Grail,” said to be the cup used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper.

    While the knights were off on their quests, saving damsels and encountering hermits, there was trouble at home. Arthur had trusted his friend Lancelot, the best of his knights, to protect his wife Guinevere. Unfortunately, their attraction was too great, and they had an adulterous affair. This was not only adultery, but treason against the King. Mordred was delighted, as he has been scheming to make this happen.

    Guinevere was sentenced to be burned at the stake, but of course Lancelot — who could not be beaten in single combat by any knight — rescued her. When Arthur pursued Lancelot into France (actually Lancelot’s home country), he left his “nephew” (and son) Mordred in charge of England; Mordred promptly usurped Arthur’s throne.

    At the end, in a climactic battle, Arthur was killed by Mordred, and killed him in turn. Thus fell Camelot, the kingdom Arthur built.

    Vocabulary:

    Which word above means:

    1. pertaining to sex between family members

    2. planning, in a negative way

    3. at the highpoint of the story

    4. gift from a bride’s family to the groom

    5. slight, minimal

    6. of lesser importance

    7. of low morals

    8. having great consequences

    9. took a position without the legal right

    10. without one’s knowledge