British Literature Arthurian Legend Web Activity

 

Noble Lords and Ladies of this court - - - -

 

With history and famous tales of Chivalry it is difficult to distinguish between reality and legend!  Your assignment is to seek the truth!!

 

Welcome to a realm of myths, legends, and truths!  As a seeker of knowledge I charge you with sorting fact from fiction in your exploration of King Arthur, Camelot and his legendary knights of the round table.  In this journey you will visit many different sites, some discussing truth and some discussing myths about Arthur.  By the end of your search I want you to have established considerable knowledge of our topic.  You must return to our group able to discuss and share you findings.  In your final report you must document the following:

  1. Find 10 proven facts about Arthur
  2. Explain the myth behind Excaliber (aka Caliburn)
  3. Know the relationships of Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, Mordred, Morgan Le Fay, Uther Pendragon, Gawain and the Lady of the Lake
  4. Identify the mythical Avalon and its significance
  5. Explain where Avalon and Camelot were located

 

Good luck travelers.  May you find all that you seek on your quest using the resources below!!

 

 

  1. King Arthur:  A Man for the Ages – When you visit this site you will find links to frequently asked questions about the facts and the fiction surrounding important people related to Arthurian legends.  Date visited:  5/19/05  http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/4186/Arthur/htmlpages/kingarthur.html

 

  1. Arthurian Resources – This site will guide you through actual research and findings in Great Britain relating to the factual information behind Arthur’s existence.  This site is constantly being updated because research into this famous ruler is ongoing even today!  Date visited:  5/19/05  http://www.arthuriana.co.uk/

 

  1. Brittania:  King Arthur – To learn more about Arthur, his family and the important places surrounding the legend use this site.  It is a good one if you need information on Arthur’s real father!  5/19/05  http://www.britannia.com/history/h12.html

 

  1. Camelot – This site explores the ancient myths surrounding the mystical city of Camelot.  Read through this page to find the truth and the myth behind Arthur’s Camelot and some of the major characters found in Camelot!!  5/19/05  http://www.eliki.com/ancient/myth/camelot/

 

  1. Arthurian Legend – Sir Thomas Malory documented the life and death of Arthur.  This site has an excellent summary of his work.  There are also numerous photographs from Malory’s works.  5/19/05  http://www.arthurian-legend.com/

 

  1. Timeless Myths: Arthurian Legend – This site analyzes some of the mythology behind the facts involved in King Arthur’s life and reign.  5/31/05 http://www.timelessmyths.com/arthurian/

 

  1. An Archaelogical Quest for the ‘real’ King Arthur – This site takes a look at actual artifacts that have been discovered and serve as proof of Arthur’s existence and places of visit. 5/31/05  http://www.uidaho.edu/student_orgs/arthurian_legend/england/arch/

 

  1. Cadbury Castle – Take a trip to Cadbury and find out if it is the actual site of the legendary King Arthur’s Camelot 5/31/05  http://britannia.com/history/cadcast.html

 

  1. Sir Mordred the Traitor – To find out more about Arthur’s supposed son and learn the truth behind his deeds visit this site.  5/31/05  http://www.uidaho.edu/student_orgs/arthurian_legend/knights/orkney/mordred.html

 

  1. The Code of Chivalry - This site explores the famed Code of Chivalry that was established by Arthur and his knights and became the rules by which to live in medieval England and set the stage for modern rules of society.  5/31/05 http://www.astro.umd.edu/~marshall/chivalry.html

 

  1. A Discussion of Chivarly – This site discusses some of Arthur’s closest allies and fellow knights of the round table including Lancelot, Gareth, Gawain and Mordred.  Find out more about those that surrounded Arthur.  5/31/05    http://www.uidaho.edu/student_orgs/arthurian_legend/knights/knights.html

 

  1. Arthurian Legends – This is the perfect site for review and practice of Arthurian fact and legend.  5/31/05    http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/humanities/mythology__legends/arthurian_legends.html

 

  1. Facts and Figures - For an extensive and complete listing of all of the magical objects and some places related to Arthurian Legend.  5/31/05  http://www.timelessmyths.com/arthurian/objects.html

 

  1. Arthurian FAQ – This page includes some of the most common questions and misconceptions about Arthurian Legend, lore and fact.  5/31/05

http://arthurpendragon.ukonline.co.uk/artfaq.html

 

  1. The Holy Grail – The vessel which was passed down from Christ’s Last Supper is yet another part of Arthur’s legendary tale.  Read from this site and its links to learn more about the symbol called the Holy Grail.  5/31/05

http://www.britannia.com/history/arthur/grail.html

 

  1. Proof of King Arthur’s Existence – This is an actual newspaper article from 1998 that documents the proof found in England of King Arthur’s existence.  5/31/05  http://www.greatdreams.com/proof.htm

 

  1. The Arthurian Court List - This site contains information about everyone related to Arthur and his court.  There are great explanations of who these people were and how they were related to Arthur.  5/31/05  http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/CULlist.htm

 

  1. Guenevere – Go to this link to find out all of the background information about Arthur’s beloved wife Guenevere.  Discover the myth and fact about this woman of the court.  5/31/05  http://faculty.arts.ubc.ca/sechard/344GUEN.HTM

 

  1. Avalon – This mystical place is very famous and has been narrowed to a certain factual region of England.  Avalon played a huge role in the tales of Arthur.  5/31/05  http://www.uidaho.edu/student_orgs/arthurian_legend/england/sites/avalon.htm

 

  1. The Unofficial Monty Python – This site is a bit different from the others.  It is the comedic play on Arthur and Monty Python has become particularly famous for his interpretation of the Arthurian tales.  He has also increased the exposure to Arthurian legend to include groups that had not necessarily known or been interested in the past.  Check this site out.  Maybe read a few scenes with a partner.  Have a laugh.  5/31/05  http://www.mwscomp.com/python.html