King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table | Book Review | 1485 | Thomas Malory

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sir Thomas Malory was an English author best known for Le Morte d’Arthur, a comprehensive compilation of Arthurian legends. Little is known about his life, but records indicate he was a knight and possibly a Member of Parliament. Malory got into legal trouble multiple times, including charges of theft and assault, which led to periods of imprisonment. He possibly wrote Le Morte d’Arthur during his confinement, drawing on French and English sources to craft his iconic retelling of The Tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898) was an influential English illustrator and author. Beardsley was known for his distinctive black-and-white Art Nouveau illustrations, often characterized by bold lines and decadent, provocative themes.

SYNOPSIS (MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS)

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table by Thomas Malory is a collection of medieval legends that revolve around King Arthur, his knights, and their adventures in the mythical kingdom of Camelot. The stories often revolve around themes of chivalry, honor, loyalty and the quest for greatness.

The tales begin with Arthur’s miraculous rise to power, when he pulls the enchanted sword, Excalibur, from the stone. This proves his divine right to rule. Guided by the wise wizard Merlin, Arthur unites the warring factions of Britain and establishes the legendary Round Table, where knights of equal stature gather to uphold justice and protect the kingdom.

The most celebrated of these knights include Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, Sir Percival and Sir Galahad. Each knight embarks on his own heroic quests, but the quest for the Holy Grail – a sacred relic that represents spiritual purity – is central to many of the tales. Galahad, the purest of Arthur’s knights, is the one destined to find the Grail. On the other hand, others, like Lancelot, struggle with personal flaws that hinder their success.

In fact, Lancelot’s illicit love affair with Queen Guinevere is a recurring narrative, causing tension and eventual destruction within Camelot. Their forbidden romance sets the stage for betrayal, leading to internal discord among the knights. This rift ultimately culminates in the downfall of Arthur’s reign. This is because his son, Mordred, who is born of an incestuous relationship with Morgause, challenges his father’s authority.

The final battle between Arthur and Mordred results in mutual destruction. Arthur, mortally wounded, is taken to the Isle of Avalon, where legend says he will rest until his return in a time of Britain’s greatest need. The tales end with the tragic disbanding of the Round Table and the fall of Camelot, marking the end of an era.

WHAT WE LIKED ABOUT LE MORTE D’ARTHUR: KING ARTHUR AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table captivates readers with its rich blend of adventure and myth. Arguably one of the most appealing aspects of the stories is the portrayal of King Arthur as a noble yet flawed leader. His ideals of chivalry and justice constantly undergo the test of betrayal and personal failures. Heroic quests are a recurring theme of the tales, such as the search for the Holy Grail. These quests symbolize both the physical and spiritual challenges that resonate across cultures and generations.

The knights themselves, particularly figures like Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain, are iconic characters who epitomize bravery, loyalty and honor. At the same time, their human flaws make them completely relatable. For instance, the love story between Lancelot and Queen Guinevere adds depth to the narrative. This dynamic highlights the conflict between duty and desire.

The mythical elements – such as the magical sword Excalibur, the enigmatic wizard Merlin, and the mysterious Isle of Avalon – treat readers to a fantastical world, blending history with legend. The timeless themes of loyalty, friendship and the struggle for power make these stories even more fascinating and relevant.

The stories also explore complex moral dilemmas that plague Arthur and his knights, combining heroic exploits with the consequences of human frailties. This blend of history, myth and romance has continued to captivate audiences. It has cemented the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as timeless symbols of nobility and adventure.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER ABOUT LE MORTE D’ARTHUR: KING ARTHUR AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE

While King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table by Thomas Malory is a classic, readers may not find certain aspects appealing. One such issue is the lack of depth in female characters. Figures like Queen Guinevere and Morgan le Fay often come across as one-dimensional – either as temptresses or objects of love. This can feel outdated, especially when compared to more nuanced portrayals of women in contemporary literature.

The repetitive nature of the knightly quests can also feel tedious. In fact, many of the adventures follow a similar pattern of knights encountering challenges, battling enemies and seeking personal redemption. While these quests are central to the theme of chivalry, the lack of variety in their structure may cause readers to lose interest over time.

Furthermore, the morality in the tales can feel overly rigid. Characters often adhere to strict codes of honor that may seem unrealistic or irrelevant to modern sensibilities. The black-and-white portrayal of good versus evil leaves little room for moral ambiguity, something many modern readers prefer.

Finally, the language and style, often archaic and formal, may be challenging for some. They make the stories feel distant and less engaging compared to more accessible modern adaptations of the Arthurian legends.

QUOTES

Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil,

is rightwise king born of all England.

Therewithal came Merlin, and said: ‘Knight, hold thy hand, for an thou slay that knight thou puttest this realm in the greatest damage that ever was realm: for this knight is a man of worship than thou wotest of.’

‘Why, who is he?’ said the knight.

‘It is King Arthur.’

CONCLUSION