King Arthur: Teacher's Guide To The Core Classics Edition of

Teachers Guide to
The Core Classics Edition of

Alice M. Hadfields
KING ARTHUR
And
THE ROUND TABLE

by Jennifer England
Core Knowledge Foundation, 2005

This on-line edition is provided as a free resource for the benefit of Core Knowledge teachers and others using
the Core Classics edition of King Arthur and the Round Table. Resale of these pages is strictly prohibited.
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Table of Contents

Introduction - King Arthur, Man or Myth? ................................................ 3
Teaching Notes ........................................................................................... 7
Chapter Summaries
Part I: Chapters 15......................................................................... 10
Part II: Chapter 68 ......................................................................... 14
Part III: Chapters 915 .................................................................... 17
Part IV: Chapters 1622.................................................................. 21
Student Activities
Part I ................................................................................................ 26
Part II ............................................................................................... 38
Part III.............................................................................................. 46
Part IV.............................................................................................. 58
Culminating Activities............................................................................... 68
Teacher Answer Guide .............................................................................. 69
Appendix
Important Sites................................................................................. 83
Whos Who...................................................................................... 84
Semantic Word Map........................................................................ 89
Map of Arthurs Britain................................................................... 90
Bibliography .............................................................................................. 91
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As the hero of Malorys story, Arthur tries to rule fairly in peace and
prosperity. He enlists the best fighters in Briton to join the fellowship of
the Round Table For the sake of those suffering under justice, they face
danger alone to enforce the law and punish the wicked The quest sets a
hundred knights roaming the roads of Britain, seeking something invisible
to them. Chivalry, putting its trust in the survival of the fittest, requires a
knight to look for action and to put himself at the mercy of chance. The
death-defying heroes of the Round Table hurl themselves into single
combat with unknown foes at an instant Camelot's bonds of
brotherhood, eaten at by greed and jealousy, unravel into civil war. The
spirit of revenge hacks away the body of the Round Table Badly
wounded in combat, Arthur is taken for healing to Avalon, the island in
Celtic myth, where the dead go Yet for a time, justice and goodness,
order and peace reign from Camelot
Excerpts from the Introduction of King Arthur by E.D. Hirsch, Jr.

Introduction: King Arthur, Man or Myth?

For the past fifteen hundred years, stories of a legendary king and his court have come to
symbolize all that is noble and good. The story of King Arthur and his knights is the tale of a
time of peace, justice, and brotherhood. It is the story of Knights, living by a Code of Chivalry,
who created briefly an ideal world based on honor and good deeds. It is the story that ends in
betrayal and tragedy, but it leaves us with the hope that another such time might come again.

Sources for the Arthurian Legends

Le Morte dArthur is the source of the Arthurian legend used in the Core Knowledge Classic,
King Arthur and the Round Table, adapted by Alice M. Hadfield. Le Morte dArthur is based on
a collection of stories written by Sir Thomas Malory and edited and printed by William Caxton
in 1485.

Until a few years ago Le Morte dArthur's author, Thomas Malory, was little known. It is
probable that he was Sir Thomas Malory, born about 1400 of an old Warwickshire family. He
loved hunting, tournaments, and chivalry and was well versed in the Arthurian romance of his
day. He spent much of his life in prison, some say because he was a violent man; others say
because he was a politically unpopular one.In either case, his days in prison allowed him the
opportunity to pen his classic.

Originally his work was called The Book of King Arthur and His Noble Knights of the Round
Table. Based on assorted tales, the book was a compilation of beautifully written French and
English stories, put together without great skill. Malorys Arthur may have been forgotten had it
not been for William Caxton, who effectively reorganized and edited Malorys tales into Le
Morte dArthur.

Born in Kent in 1422, William Caxton was Englands first printer. He produced 100 books and
pamphlets including The Canterbury Tales. Many were his own translations and contained his
own prefaces. He published only what he thought was the best writing of his day. He is known
for shaping and standardizing the English language. He thought the knights of his day were un-
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Arthurian so he published the Order of Chivalry to accompany Le Morte dArthur giving Malory
credit as the author. This 1485 Malory edition has become the definitive version of King Arthur
and his Knights of the Round Table.

Historical Model and Historical Context of Arthurs Story

Who was the model for Malorys chivalrous Arthur? Was it the Earl of Warwick he served under
in the French Wars and man whom all of Europe recognized as embodying the knightly ideal of
the age? Or did Malorys enthusiasm for chivalry come from the English king at the time, Henry
V, whose feats were similar to Malorys Arthur? Well never know. But we do know much of
Malorys story was based on previous writings mainly those of Geoffrey of Monmouth.

Geoffrey of Monmouth became the first and one of the most important authors of Arthurian
legends. Three of his works survive today: Prophecies of Merlin, Historia Regum Britanniae,
and Life of Merlin.We know little of his personal history. His full name seems to have been
Geoffrey Arthur Arthur being the name of his father. He was educated at the priory in
Monmouth and was consecrated bishop in 1152. He died in 1155.

In 1136 Geoffrey began writing his Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of Britain).
He claims to have used an ancient book, the British Book, containing authentic historical
documents. Through his life in the monastery, he became familiar with Welsh and Breton
folklore, which founds its way into his history.

In the first chapters of The Historia, Geoffrey traced the origin of Britain, telling of legendary
and actual events. The Arthurian portion is the climax of the Historia. The Celtic victory over
the Saxons was followed by a Golden Age of peace during which Arthur established the
fellowship of Knights. The Saxons eventually overpowered the Britons who retreated into Wales.
The Historia ends in 689 with Merlins prophecy of a return to power by the Celts.

Fusing the popular stories about Arthur with the few documents he had access to, Geoffrey found
a way to satisfy the courtly readers of his day. Romance was in demand; Geoffrey modernized
Arthurs court to accomodate 12
th
century customs. His sources probably included Gildas The
Wise (504570) a sixth century monk who wrote Concerning the Ruin of Britain written
references to an Arthurian figure begin with his work and Nennius, a Welsh monk who wrote
about AD 800.

Nennius was the first to refer to Arthur. In his Historia Brittonum, Nennius, describing Arthurs
great victories over the Saxons said, The twelfth was the battle at Mount Badon, in which, on
one day, nine hundred and sixty men fell to the ground during one onset of Arthur; and no one
overthrew them save himself alone; and in all the battles he emerged the victor.

At the time it was written, The Historia was accepted as a true record of the Welsh from 1100
BC to AD 689. Geoffrey brought us Merlins magic, Arthurs marriage to Guenevere, Uther and
Igraine, the castle of Tintagel and Mordreds betrayal as part of the Arthurian legend. Camelot
and Lancelot did not appear in this text. In 1150, hundreds of copies of his manuscript to that
date the most produced of one manuscript spread throughout Europe and stimulated the
romantics, who added even more to the legend. In 1155, Wace, a French writer, used Geoffreys
chronicles as inspiration for his poetry. He introduced the Round Table and the notion that
Arthur would live again.
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The French Romantics and Their Influence

In the 12
th
through 15
th
centuries, French romance writers influenced the image of knights, what
they wore, and how they fought. Chivalry, tournaments, jousts, entertainment, and courtly love
were incorporated into the Arthurian legend. Chretien de Troyes was probably the greatest of
these writers. Between 1160 and 1172, he lived as herald-at-arms at Troyes. His patroness was
Countess Marie de Champagne, daughter of Louis VII and Eleanor of Aquitaine. He wrote four
romances about the ideals of French chivalry, including Perceval the Welshman and Lancelot or
The Knight of the Cart. He is the first to mention a Camelot in his poem of Lancelot.

The telling of Arthurs story did not end in the Middle Ages. Alfred Lord Tennysons Idylls of
the King and Mark Twains A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court kept interest alive in
the 19
th
century as did T. H. Whites The Once and Future King in the 20
th
century. And the
interest continues today, both in books and film.

We know much of the story is fiction. But was there a King Arthur? There is no proof positive
for an historical Arthur in the 5
th
and 6
th
centuries. No texts survive that mention him by name.
But archaeological evidence shows an unusual period of comparative peace in the early 6
th

century a time similar to that described in the legends of Arthur that have been passed down
through the generations.

Whether or not a real Arthur existed, the Arthur of literature is one we care about. People need
heroes, so legends are told and retold. Knights, living by a Code of Chivalry, inspire the world
with their honor and good deeds, serving together in the great fellowship of the Round Table.
The notion of an ideal king is pieced together over the centuries and writers shape the legend to
suit their time.

Is there a real person buried under the layers of romantic fiction? Historians continue the search
for the real Arthur.

Medieval Background of the King Arthur Legend

To understand the great misery of Britain when there was no true king, students need
knowledge of the warlike tribes attacking the Roman Empire, sacking Rome, and taking land.
The Angles, Saxons, Huns, Vandals, Goths, and Franks split the Roman Empire into Western
and Eastern sections. In this period of Dark Ages, beginning about AD 450, Britain had no
king or emperor. The British Isles were in turmoil. The people longed for a leader to protect the
poor and keep justice.

By AD 476, many of the tribes had converted to Christianity and adopted the religion and
customs of Rome. The Bishop of Rome (the Pope) had become the most important Church
official whose power extended beyond church affairs. European monks lived as hermits or in
monasteries isolated from the world. But St. Benedicts reforms encouraged monks to work
together, to spread Christianity, and to help the poor. Benedictine rules influenced other types of
monasteries and convents so that religion had a great impact on the daily life of people as well as
the liturgy of the Church. Gregorian chant, beloved by Benedict, became the official music of the
Catholic Church.
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With the advance of Christianity, the reverence for the Holy Grail, thought to be the cup used by
Jesus at the Last Supper, and other relics spread across Europe. The Quest for the Holy Grail
inspired hundreds of knights to search for heavenly objects that only the holy and pure could
find. This spiritual journey can be better understood when students realize that in the middle ages
earthly life was seen as a battle between heaven and hell. In this age of faith, belief in miracles
prevailed, and witchcraft and magic were used to test truth and loyalty.

In 800 A.D., Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor, the first emperor since 476.
During his reign the empire expanded, Christianity spread, education and culture were
encouraged, and communication and travel were improved.

Feudalism, a social system based on loyalty, developed. Kings needed warriors to fight for them;
the warriors (vassals) needed land. The vassal swore to fight for the king, and the king pledged to
protect his vassal. The feudal agreement was made in a church ceremony with the vassal paying
homage to his king. The oath of fealty bound the king to his lords, the lords to their vassals, and
the vassals to dukes and knights. This sacred oath was respected throughout Europe. If a vassal
failed to serve his lord, he became an outlaw, persecuted by other lords.

Knights of the Round Table lived by a code of chivalry built on courage, honor, and respect. In
the fellowship of the Round Table, all were treated equally. Loyalty was owed to God and King.
Truth and love were seen as worth dying for. For students, knowledge of knighthood and
tournament games provides the background for understanding the pageantry and celebrations at
Camelot. Familiarity with heraldry helps them understand the tragedy of brother slaying brother
when each carries a shield without his own device as in the case with Balan and Balin in Chapter
four.

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Teaching Notes for King Arthur

An Overview
Travel with King Arthur, Lancelot, and Galahad to the magical kingdom of Camelot a time
when church, loyalty, and chivalry guided daily life. Building on students background
knowledge of Europe in the Middle Ages, explore the fellowship of the Round Table. Discuss
the legend as a literary piece, emphasizing story elements and stylistic techniques. Analyze
characters and motivations as you incorporate grammar, vocabulary, and writing into your study.

King Arthur is an exciting but challenging book for fourth graders. As the teacher, it is critical
that you read this classic before introducing it to your students. For full benefit and enjoyment,
King Arthur should be read aloud with ample opportunity for students to discuss and make
connections together. Students will thrill to the adventures of the Quest, marvel at the vows of
courage and loyalty that Knights uphold, and feel the sadness of a friendship that ends tragically.

After students in my classroom were familiar with the stages of knighthood, we began The
Quest to Become a Knight of the Round Table. This was a fun way to integrate stages of
knighthood with classroom expectations. As a page, each student had to demonstrate basic
classroom behaviors and expectations related to doing homework, following directions,
completing daily work, etc. When they had earned 25 points, they advanced to the Squires
Challenge. The challenge required them to demonstrate knight-like behaviors outside of the
classroom and at home. For example, they had to identify a time when they were brave and
honorable, protected women and children, gave help to those in trouble, etc. An adult signed as a
witness to each deed. A list, posted in the room, was updated as students moved from Page to
Squire and then to Knight. Note that this activity is suggested as choice 4 on page 35.

King Arthur is divided into four parts: The Founding of the Round Table; The Round Table in
Action; The Quest of the Grail; and The End of the Round Table. Each of these four parts
contains three to seven chapters. I have designed the Teachers Guide around these four
divisions. Each chapter of the Guide includes a brief summary for the teacher and a list of major
characters. For students, each chapter lists the new characters and their relationship. Also student
vocabulary and study questions are provided. At the end of each part, I have included a
cumulative vocabulary activity and suggested writing, art, and drama activities.

Integrating History
As you will see, many topics from the fourth grade Core Knowledge sequence are integrated into
this literature unit. Foremost, of course, are those from the World History and Geography
strand. A great resource for teaching this background knowledge is the Pearson Learning History
and Geography book, Europe in the Middle Ages, chapters one through nine. This Core content
should be taught prior to or in conjunction with the reading of King Arthur.

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Integrating Language Arts and the Study of Literature
As active readers, students should practice skills of questioning, connecting, predicting,
reviewing and evaluating. They should delve into the story to discover literary elements of
setting, plot, character, and theme. They should develop an awareness of literary techniques such
as personification, description, similes, metaphors, foreshadowing, and symbolism.

Using examples from the text, a variety of Language Arts skills in writing, grammar and usage
can be taught. Among the grammar skills are activities to identify types of sentences, concrete
and abstract nouns, and parts of speech. Include a discussion of Proverbs to provide an
opportunity for students to explain the motivation and behavior of different characters. Two
wrongs dont make a right fits nicely in Chapter 4 when Balin, the Savage seeks revenge. The
bigger they are, the harder they fall helps explain Merlins folly and demise in chapter 8.

Vocabulary activities use context clues and dictionary entries to determine meaning. Sentences,
copied from the text of the book, focus on three to five words per chapter. Scaffolding techniques
are used to help students figure out word meaning. Graphic organizers, such as word maps,
extend meaning by encouraging students to find specific examples from the book. Dictionary use
is also included. Students determine how many entries are listed for each word; the best meaning
for the word in the given sentence; the part of speech; and synonyms or antonyms. We did the
vocabulary activities together before reading the chapters.

Both narrative and expository writing activities are included as suggestions. Ideas for personal
letters, quest journals, and poetry are presented. Using the accordion paragraph format, students
can organize material with topic sentence, examples and details, and a conclusion.

Integrating Music and the Visual Arts
A study of illuminated manuscripts, stained glass windows, and Gregorian chant from Visual
Arts and Music topics in the Core Knowledge Sequence fits nicely with the study of King Arthur.

Culminating Activities
Suggested culminating activities can involve many skills and many subjects. My suggestions
include: Round Table reenactments; role-playing the taking of a fealty oath and the dubbing of a
knight; sponsoring a medieval banquet or medieval trade faire. The banquet or faire could
highlight knighting ceremonies, as well as music and art, as part of the event. There is no end of
possibilities for culminating activities and you may want to add some of your own devising.

Study Aids
To minimize the confusion of people and places mentioned in King Arthur, I have developed
additional resources. A map of Arthurs Britain will give students a general idea of setting and
location. A Whos Who identifies the major characters and their relationships. In addition, there
is a detailed list of all characters for teacher reference at the end of the guide. A listing of
important sites can be enlarged and posted in the room. The word map template can be copied
and used for any concept or subject (electricity, trade in China, chivalry, hero, etc.)
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Chapter Summaries
Part I: The Founding of the Round Table

Chapter 1: The Birth of Arthur

Uther Pendragon fights not only against invaders but against his own subjects, one of whom is
the Duke of Cornwall. Wishing to make peace, Uther invites the Duke to his palace. The Duke
brings his beautiful wife, Igraine. A peace treaty is made. Uther falls in love with Igraine.

Realizing this, Igraine asks her husband to take her back to their castle at Tintagel. Uther
prepares to make war and follows the Duke to another castle at Terrabil. Out of anger and love,
he becomes ill and sends for Merlin. Merlin tells Uther that he will marry Igraine and they will
have a son. The son must be given to Merlin to raise. After Uther agrees, Merlin tells him what
to do. So the King rides toward Tintagel leaving some of his men at Terrabil. In the fighting at
Terrabil, the Duke is killed. A treaty is made with Igraine and later Uther asks her to marry.

In time, a son is born and Merlin reminds the King of his promise. The baby is given to a poor
man at the postern gate (Merlin). He gives the child to Sir Ector and the baby is baptized and
named Arthur. Two years later, Uther falls sick. Merlin summons all the lords. In their presence
he asks the King if his son Arthur shall reign after Uthers death. Before dying, Uther answers: I
give him my blessing. Tell him that he must claim the crown or lose my blessing. Only Merlin
knows where the boy Arthur lives.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 1: Uther, Duke of Cornwall, Merlin, Igraine, King Arthur

Chapter 2: The Sword in the Stone

After Uthers death the lords fight amongst themselves, pillage, and rob anyone with wealth.
Great misery surrounds Britain. When the time is right, Merlin requests that the Archbishop of
Canterbury bring the leading men to London. A miracle will prove who is rightful King.

On Christmas Day in the churchyard, they find a marble stone with an anvil and sword. On the
blade is written in gold letters, Whoever pulls out this sword from this stone and anvil is the
rightful King of all Logres. None of the lords can pull the sword out. News spreads throughout
the country that a tournament will be held on New Years Day. All the knights including Sir
Ector and his son Sir Kay attend. Arthur, 15 year old squire to Kay, also comes. Only Merlin and
Ector know that Arthur is not the real brother of Kay. Because Kay has forgotten his sword,
Arthur returns to the inn to get it. But the inn is locked so Arthur goes to get the sword from the
stone. The sword is easily pulled out and taken to Sir Kay. When Kay sees the sword, he realizes
how important it is and pretends that he has pulled it out.

Ector, Kay, and Arthur return to the churchyard. Kay admits that it is Arthur who has pulled out
the sword. Ector tells Arthur he must be the rightful King. He asks Arthur to return the sword to
the stone which he easily does. Ector and Kay both try to pull it out unsuccessfully. Ector
explains that Arthur is not his real son and asks that Sir Kay be allowed to serve Arthur.
At the end of the tournament on the Epiphany, all the knights try to pull the sword from the
10
stone. But only Arthur, can do it. He is knighted with the sword and then the crown of Britain is
put on his head. Many people are happy. But many great lords refuse to have a fifteen year old
boy as their king. Because of their resistance, it is not until the feast of Pentecost that Arthur is
acknowledged as king. Arthur knows that a heavy task lay before him in ruling the kingdom
rightly, or even in keeping his throne at all.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 2: Sir Ector, Sir Kay

Chapter 3: The Sword in the Lake

A few weeks later, Arthur goes for a ride. He carries only a light sword; the sword from the stone
is still on the coronation altar. He comes upon Merlin who is being attacked by three men. The
men flee when Arthur arrives. Arthur tells Merlin that even with his crafts, he would have been
killed if not for Arthurs help. Merlins response is that Arthur is more near death than he.

They encounter a knight dressed in black who refuses to let them pass. Arthur and the knight
charge on horseback, then fight with swords. At last, Arthur strikes his sword so hard that it
breaks in half. He is told to yield but refuses. They continue to wrestle but the knight in black is
much heavier than Arthur and holds him down. He is about to stab Arthur with his dagger when
Merlin casts a spell and the knight falls asleep.

Arthur is angry that Merlin used a spell to beat the knight who fought fairly and bravely. Merlin
identifies the mighty knight as Pellinore who will do good service for Arthur. He then makes a
prophecy which Arthur pays no attention to. ...he shall have two sons whose names will be
Percival of Wales and Lamorak of Wales. He will tell you the name of the son of your own sister
who shall cause the destruction of this kingdom.

Arthur has no sword but Merlin tells him not to worry. They come to a lake. Rising out of the
water is an arm, clothed in soft white silk, holding a sword in its hand. A boat with a beautiful
damsel moves across the water. It is the Lady of the Lake who lives under the water. When the
boat comes to shore, Arthur asks for the sword. The damsel offers to give it to him if he will give
her a gift when she asks for it. Arthur agrees, and he and Merlin get into the boat and row to the
arm. When Arthur takes the sword by the hilt, the hand lets go and the arm sinks under the water.
They row back to the shore but the Lady of the Lake is gone.

It is a magnificent sword with the name Excalibur carved onto the blade. Under that is written
Take me, and on the other side is Cast me away. They go back to Caerleon and share their
stories. All true knights are proud to serve under such a brave leader.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 3: Sir Pellinore, Lady of the Lake
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Chapter 4: Sir Balin and the Hallows

During Arthurs rule, strange and mysterious things, the Hallows, appear. The major of these is
the cup that Jesus drank from at the Last Supper called the Holy Grail. The second is the lance
that pierced Jesus side while he was on the cross. The holy objects were brought, to Britain, by
Joseph of Armethia. Their fame spread through all of Europe and people came to see the Holy
Grail. Attempts to steal, after Josephs death, the cup forces some to hide the Hallows to keep
them safe.

As Christianity spreads, the Hallows appear more often. The Castle at Carbonek is their chief
haunt and Lord Pelles becomes known as Keeper of the Hallows. No one knows when or where
the Holy Grail might appear. Sometimes it is on an altar or to a good man praying. Sometimes
the lance is seen with it. Pelles is a good man but his brother, Garlon, is evil. Garlon uses his
power of invisibility to win battles and kill unfairly. He is greatly feared around Carbonek.

One day Sir Balin the Savage is bringing a knight under safe conduct to the King. As they
approach Carbonek, the knight falls from his horse with a spear in his chest. Balin sees no one
but hears the sound of hoofs riding away. Balin swears to avenge the death of the knight. He
meets a hermit who tells him of Garlons power to become invisible. Balin arrives at the castle of
Carbonek. He wants to kill Garlon. Balin thrusts the spear that had killed his friend into Garlons
body.

The castle is in an uproar, Balin is seized. Pelles, brother of Garlon, knocks the sword from
Balins hand. Balin breaks away and runs from room to room searching for a sword. He enters a
room hung with silk with a golden cloth covered bed. A figure is stretched silently on the bed.
Balin grabs a marvelous shiny spear (even though he knows it is the Hallow) and turns on Pelle.
He runs the spear through Pelles thigh. There is a terrible thunderclap, Pelles falls to the ground.
The walls and roof of the castle crash down burying Balin and Pelles.

Three days later, Merlin rescues Balin. He says that Balin will suffer for using the spear, a
heavenly object, for his own earthly needs. He explains that it is Joseph of Armathia, a relative of
Pelles, on the bed. Josephs body has been preserved all these years because of the presence of
the holy objects.

Because Balin has used the spear in an earthly quarrel, there will be bad results. The first two,
wounding of Pelles and destruction of the castle, have occurred. The third will be sudden death
and disaster over the entire country. Merlin tells Balin that men will be tormented by glimpses of
the Hallows. After years of trouble, Galahad will come to heal Pelles wounds and bring the
history of the Holy Grail to an end.

Balin arrives at a castle and is challenged to fight a knight who will let no one pass. He is tricked
into carrying a bigger shield without his own device (emblem or coat of arms). Out of the castle
comes a knight dressed in red, also carrying a shield that does not bear his device. It is Balins
brother, Balan, who has been searching for him.

They charge, unhorse each other, and strike tremendous blows. Finally they collapse on the
ground, both mortally wounded. The brothers realize they have fought each other and die side by
12
side. The next day Merlin takes Balins sword. He leaves the scabbard on an island and makes a
six inch wide bridge over to it. Only a knight without treachery will be able to retrieve it. The
sword he puts in a red marble block that floats on the water. He sets the enchanted sword on its
journey until the right man can handle it.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 4: Sir Balan, Sir Balin, the Savage, Sir Garlon, Sir Pelles

Chapter 5: The Marriage of Arthur and the Founding of the Round Table

Arthurs two main cities are Caerleon in Wales and Camelot (Winchester) in Southern England.
A smaller town in Carbonek on the coast of Southern Wales is also his. From these three castles,
Arthur wages war on invaders. For several years, all of his time is devoted to restoring order in
Britain. But gradually with the help of his knights, Arthur sets up a government where his laws
are enforced throughout the kingdom. Happiness and order prevail.

He is encouraged to marry. So Merlin is sent with a train of knights to King Leodegrance of
Cameliard to ask for Gueneveres hand. Leodegrance is delighted and presents Arthur with a
Round Table given to him by Uther. The table seats 150 knights. His heart filled with joy, Arthur
sends his best friend and knight, Sir Lancelot du Lac, to bring Guenevere to Camelot. From their
first meeting, Lancelot and Guenevere love each other.

Gueneveres marriage and coronation plans are made. The Round Table is set up in the great
hall. To Arthur, It was to represent a perfect world, where love and goodness would spread
throughout every vein of life in Britain. Each knight takes his siege (seat). Thunder is heard in
the halls along with music. There is joy amidst them; the Kings face is lit by a heavenly light.

After the knights pay homage to their King, each ones name appears in gold upon his siege.
Three seats are left empty; one has Siege Perilous written on it. The other two are for the
knights of greatest fame in any year. But the Siege Perilous is for only oneanyone else who
sits there will be destroyed.

Many knights attend the wedding including Arthurs nephews whose father, King Lot, was killed
by Pellinore. Pellinore, now a friend of Arthur, uses his strength to protect others. Merlin leads
Pellinore to the siege next to the two empty ones (but not Siege Perilous). Arthurs nephew,
Gawaine, is angered by this and vows to kill the man who has killed his father. A younger
brother and squire, Gaheris, tells Gawaine to wait until he is a knight to get revenge.

The King is unaware that the first split has begun. He has forgotten Merlins prophecy that a son
of his sister will destroy the kingdom. Arthur makes all his knights an equal fellowship, none
above or below his brother. He gives them a rule of life to follow. All swear to keep the rule.
Every year at the feast of Pentecost they renew their oath. This becomes their Code of Chivalry.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 5: King Leodegrance, Sir Lancelot, Queen Guenevere, Sir
Gawaine, Sir Gaheris
13
Part II: The Round Table In Action

Chapter 6: Sir Lancelot

Sir Lancelot du Lac, son of King Ban of Benwick (France) is Arthurs chief knight. Stolen as a
baby by the Lady of the Lake, Lancelot was raised in her country under the waters. Although he
has great wealth and land in France, he has won fame by his own merits.

Lancelot accompanies King Arthur on a two-year expedition into France and Italy. He returns as
the champion knight of the world never defeated. Not only is he the Kings best friend, he has
vowed to serve the Queen and no other but her.

Lancelot is assigned a district where he is to ensure the laws are kept. The country has suffered
great damage through the wars. One night Lancelot comes to the farm of an elderly couple. They
provide food and shelter for the night. A violent knocking on the gate wakens Lancelot. He sees
a knight being pursued by three men and comes to his rescue and in seven strokes he beat them
all to the ground. The knight is Sir Kay, steward to the King.

The three try to yield to Lancelot. He will not accept and forces them to yield to Sir Kay. They
agree to go to the court at Pentecost and yield themselves to the mercy of the Queen. Lancelot
and Kay return to the house and share a meal with the elderly couple.

Lancelot arises early and takes Sir Kays helmet and shield, leaving his own (with the famous
leopards). Kay laughs to himself that when knights see the leopard shield he is carrying, they will
be afraid to attack. While Lancelot, carrying Sir Kays shield, will be targeted.

Lancelot rides in the forest and meets a weeping woman. She calls upon his oath of
knighthood to help her wounded brother. A sorceress says that a knight must go into the
Perilous Chapel and get a sword and piece of the bloodstained cloth to heal his wounds. Her
brother, Sir Meliot of Logres, is a Knight of the Round Table so Lancelot readily agrees to help.

As he comes into the churchyard, he sees the upside down shields of many dead knights.
Lancelot enters the chapel by going past a line of huge, armed black figures taller by three feet
than ordinary men. Inside, there is a figure lying under silk. As he cuts off a piece of silk, the
earth quakes under him. Grabbing the sword, Lancelot opens the door. The grim figures tell him
to put down the sword or die. He refuses and goes through them. Outside the churchyard, a
strange lady tells him to leave the sword behind or die. Again he refuses to be threatened. She
asks him to kiss her; he refuses. She is angered that he showed no weakness so her spells are
defeated. Lancelot returns to Sir Meliot and with one touch of the silk, the wounds are healed. He
has also broken the spell of the sorceress who killed many good knights. Sir Meliot agrees to
come to court at Pentecost and tell the King all that has happened.

Lancelots next encounter involves not magic but attempted murder. A lady asks him to free her
husbands hawk that is caught in the bough of a tree. As you are a true knight, help me.
Lancelot takes off his armor. He climbs into the elm and frees the falcon.

At that moment, an armed knight rushes out and Lancelot realizes that he has been tricked. As
Lancelot begins his descent, he breaks off a tough spiky branch. He jumps from the tree towards
14
his horse. Using the bough, he knocks the sword out of Phelots hand. He grabs the sword and
kills him. Lancelot arrives at court two days before Pentecost. Sir Kay and Meliot are there;
everyone honors him.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 6: None

Chapter 7: Sir Tristram

Sir Tristram is the second greatest knight. He is from Lyonesse, a land between Cornwall and
France, now under the sea. Tristrams mother died giving birth; his father Melodias, grieved for
seven years and then married again. Jealous that Tristram will rule rather than one of her own
sons, the new mother puts poison in the childrens jug. But her own son drinks it and dies. She
tries again, but must stop Melodias from drinking the poison. She is sentenced to death but
Tristram begs for her life.

Tristram is sent to France to learn languages, play the harp, etc. He excels in hunting and
hawking and even writes a book on them. He loves brave deeds, sweet music and noble words.
At nineteen, he returns to Lyonesse and is greatly loved.

King Anguish of Ireland sends Sir Marhaus to collect tribute from King Mark of Cornwall.
Marhaus challenges any knight of Cornwall to fight him and free Cornwall from paying the tax.
Tristram asks to be knighted so that he can fight for Cornwall. The fight is fierce. Tristram hits
Marhaus helmet so hard that a piece of steel remains in his skull. The victory goes to Tristram
who has freed Cornwall of the tax.

But Tristram has been badly wounded with a poisoned spear point. He must go to the country
from which the poison came. He sails to Ireland; while playing the harp, the king and queen hear
his music. They bring him to the castle. Tristram conceals his name because he defeated the
kings knight (Marhaus) who is also the Queens brother.

King Anguishs daughter, Iseult, is a gifted surgeon, who heals Tristram. They fall in love. But
Sir Palomides, a Saracen (Islamic warrior) is also in love with Iseult. At tournament, Palomides
defeats all challengers. Tristram, dressed in white, defeats Palomides. He lives happily in the
kingdom until one day the queen sees his sword with a missing piece of steel. She has saved the
piece of steel from her brother and realizes that Tristram killed him. She attempts to kill
Tristram. Tristram leaves Ireland and Iseult vows she will not marry without his consent.

Tristram goes back to King Mark, his uncle, in Cornwall. King Mark is jealous of Tristram. He
sends Tristram back to Ireland to ask Iseult to marry the king. The ship is caught in a storm and
lands on the coast near Camelot.
King Anguish of Ireland is accused of treason and needs a champion to fight for him. Tristram
fights for the king and defeats Sir Blamore (cousin of Lancelot). He refuses to kill Blamore
because he is related to Lancelot. They return to Ireland; Tristram requests Iseults hand for King
Mark.

Iseult sets sail with Tristram to marry King Mark. The queen gives a secret love potion for King
Mark and Iseult to drink on their wedding day. But accidentally, Tristram and Iseult drink the
potion and fall in love forever.
15

Mark and Iseult are married but a restless Tristram returns to Brittany. As time goes on, being a
member of the Round Table becomes the ideal of knighthood. Tristram decides to see if Arthur
will accept him. A great tournament is held; Tristram comes in disguise with a plain black shield.
He is victor on the first day. On the second day, Sir Palomides (Saracen) is fighting on Arthurs
side, so Tristram joins the others. On the third day, Arthur and Palomides attack Tristram
together. Tristram knocks Palomides to the ground. He is challenged to fight by Lancelot.
Lancelot wounds him and his spear breaks off. He gives Lancelot three great blows to the helmet
and then flees to the forest. Lancelot vows to bring him to Camelot.

When he recovers, Tristram heads to the tournament at the Castle of Hark Rock. He comes upon
nine knights attacking Palomides and saves him. They are too exhausted to fight so they agree to
fight in a fortnight. On that day, Tristram meets a knight all in white and assumes he is
Palomides. They fight but neither makes headway. Then they realize who each is fighting. They
go to Camelot where Tristram is seated at the Round Table in the place of Sir Marhuas. Tristram
remains at Camelot and does not go in search of the Holy Grail. Legend says that he was killed
by King Mark.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 7: Iseult, King Anguish, Sir Marhaus, King Mark,
King Melodias, Sir Palomides, Sir Tristram

Chapter 8: The End of Merlin

With age, Merlin becomes foolish. He has trusted too much in himself and forgotten that
humility is the root of wisdom. Merlin falls in love with young Vivien, a sorceress raised by the
Lady of the Lake. She becomes tired of Merlins devotion.

Merlin swears a magicians oath that he will never use enchantment against Vivien. He knows
through his visions that disaster will befall him but he is unable to prevent it. Vivien stores up
her magic words and learns simple spells over rocks and earth. One day, Merlin takes her to a
cave. As he leads her, a cloud of foreboding comes over his spirit. He is warned, but continues to
lead Vivien towards the cave. The minute he steps inside, Vivien casts the spell closing off the
cave. All of Merlins magic does no good. He is sealed up forever.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 8: Vivien
16
Part III: The Quest of the Grail

Chapter 9: The Birth of Galahad

A hermit arrives and makes a prophecy about the Siege Perilous. He that shall sit there is not
yet born, but this year he will be born. ...will win the Holy Grail. Lancelot is relieved that the
siege is not for him. One day near Carbonek, Lancelot is asked to rescue a lady sitting in scalding
water. She tells him Morgan Le Fay has her under a spell that can only be undone by the best
knight in the world. Her name is Elaine, daughter of Pelles, Keeper of the Hallows. Elaine falls
in love with Lancelot even though she knows he loves Queen Guenevere.

Lancelot is later met by townspeople who ask to be delivered from a serpent in a tomb. The
inscription on the tomb refers to Lancelot. When he raises the lid of the tomb, a fiery dragon
emerges. Lancelot slays the dragon and Elaine decides on an enchantment to trick Lancelot into
marriage. Pelles holds a feast to celebrate Lancelots two rescues in one day.

Lancelot is courteous and kind to all. He is held in great admiration. At Carbonek, place of the
Hallows, a dove flies in with incense and a delicious smell. The best meals and drinks appear on
the tables. A young girl carries a golden vessel and everyone kneels down. Both the girl and
vessel disappear. It is the Holy Grail.

Lancelot is given a cup of enchanted wine that makes him do anything Elaine wants. He marries
Elaine, not knowing what he is doing. The spell is only good in darkness, so when Lancelot
awakens and opens the windows, the spell is broken. Elaine tells him they are married. He is
shamed and believes his strength comes from his vow of service to the King and loyalty to the
Queen. He rides broken hearted to court but avoids others.

It is rumored that Elaine has a son from Lancelot named Galahad. The Queen is angered and
calls Lancelot a false knight and traitor. Lancleot explains what happened and then is excused by
the Queen. With Arthur, he sets off to wars. Years later they return and Guenevere welcomes
them back. A feast is given and Pelles sends Elaine as the wife of Lancelot. Everyone but
Lancelot receives Elaine and Galahad. It is whispered that Lancelot is secretly meeting with
Elaine. In a weak moment the Queen believes it. She banishes him from court. Lancelot runs off
into the woods like a madman for two years.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 9: Lady Elaine, Sir Galahad

Chapter 10: The Coming of Galahad to Court

For twenty years the Siege Perilous has been empty. At the Vigil of Pentecost all knights gather
for a great feast. A lady from Pelles asks for Lancelot to follow her into the forest. He fears
another trick, but trusts the lady. They come to an abbey and are greeted by nuns who introduce
Lancelot to Galahad. At the first hour of Whitsunday, Galahad is knighted. Lancelot remembers
how he was tricked by Elaine and broke his vow to the Queen. But now he knows that good has
come from evil. He feels great love for his son.

Lancelot returns to Camelot for the feast. As the knights take their place at the Round Table,
17
golden letters above the Siege Perilous say, This siege is to be fulfilled. He puts a cover over
the seat. A squire announces a great stone floating in the water with a sword sticking out of it.
Arthur remembers how he pulled out a sword. Everyone goes down to the water. In the hilt is
carved, Only he by whose side I ought to hang shall take me and he shall be the best knight of
the world. The King urges Lancelot to put his hand on it but Lancelot declines. He commands
Gawaine to try but he fails. Percival is commanded to try but also fails.

They go back to the feast. As they begin eating, there is a clap of thunder and everyone is afraid.
An old man enters with a young knight dressed in red armor. He has an empty scabbard at his
side. He takes off his armor and is escorted to the Siege Perilous. The cloth is lifted and the
writing now says, This is the siege of Sir Galahad. Nothing happens and all are amazed.

They go to the river and Galahad announces he knew the sword would be there and that is why
he has an empty scabbard. He pulls out the sword which belonged to Balin the Savage.


Chapter 11: How the Quest Began

One June evening, the knights are having supper with Arthur. Suddenly there is a peal of thunder
and a beam of light seven times brighter than sunlight fills the hall. Everyone is awestruck. The
Holy Grail, covered with a white silk cloth, comes down from the beam. Smells, food, and drink
that delight each knight appear. Then the holy vessel vanishes.

The knights thank God for showing them the Holy Cup on Pentecost. But Sir Gawaine is upset
that the cup is covered and vows to go on a Quest for a year and a day if needed. He will never
return to court until he has seen the Grail. Others take the same oath including Lancelot.
However Lancelot believes their motives are wrong because God didnt want them to see the
cup.

Arthur foresees the breakup of the Round Table and evil rearing itself again--he is old and has no
band of young men to fight. As this time of greatness is coming to an end, Arthur is saddened.
He knows many knights will die on the Quest. There is sadness throughout the kingdom as
preparations are made for the departures. Arthur asks Lancelot if he can stop the Quest. But both
know that one of a knights chief oaths is to be true to his promise. The two close friends go to
mass. Afterwards, the procession of 150 knights takes leave. Each salutes the King and his
knighthood famous for courage and honor.


Chapter 12: Sir Gawaine on the Quest

Sir Gawaine sets off determined to face all dangers. He becomes irritated when nothing happens.
He enters an abbey of monks and is told that Galahad has been there with all kinds of adventures.
Gawaine is jealous and angry. His youngest brother, Gareth, arrives and they ride together and
meet Sir Uwaine. All three agree to stay together which is not the original idea of the Quest.
18
Near the Castle of Maidens, they see seven knights on patrol. Because they are bored, they fight
and kill them which goes against the goal of the holy Quest. They feel guilty and separate.
Gawaine meets a hermit and describes the battle of three against seven. He is told to make
amends for the killing but does not do it. All summer he rides through England looking for
adventure and finding none. He meets Sir Ector, brother of Sir Lancelot, (not Sir Ector who
raised Arthur). One October evening, they stop in a ruined chapel. After they fall asleep, they
both have dreams. Gawaine dreams he is in a field rich with grass and flowers. There are 150
black and 3 white bulls. The white bulls are feeding; the black are restless. They go to look for a
better pasture. But they are so thin and weak they cannot move. The white ones go too. Then the
black and only one white bull return.

Ector dreams he and Lancelot are on horses searching for what they cannot find. Then a man
beats up Lancelot and takes his armor. Lancelot is dressed in rough clothes and put on a donkey.
They are desperate for a drink of water and come to a well. But when Lancelot bends down to
drink, the water level drops. Then he goes back the way he came.

They awake and tell each other the dreams. Suddenly a candle held by a hand, covered in red silk
with a bridle over the arm, appears. The candle disappears and a voice says, Knights of bad
faith, you may not find the Holy Grail. They search for a hermit to explain the events.

They meet a knight who wants to joust and Gawaine accepts. His spear goes through the knights
breast. The knight is Sir Uwaine, Knight of the Round Table, on his Quest. One sworn brother
has killed another. Gawaine despairs and ends his Quest. They meet a hermit who explains the
dreams. They realize it is useless to continue their Quest and return to Camelot. The hermit says
that a hundred or more will get nothing but dishonor.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 12: Sir Ector (brother of Lancelot), Sir Gareth, Sir Uwaine

Chapter 13: Sir Percival

Years pass and those who were lads at the beginning of Arthurs reign have become men.
Lamorak helps Arthur establish law and order but life is very hard with much fighting. As time
goes on, order becomes established and the bad are killed. The next generation of knights has
peaceful lives. To them thinking and acting rightly are more important than fighting. Many in the
older generation dislike the new knights.

Percival comes to court and is knighted. All believe it will take a long time before he can prove
his worth as a knight. That night, Percival sits with the unproved knights for dinner. A mute lady
of Queen Guenevere enters and walks past all the important guests, stopping at Percival.
Speaking in a clear voice she says, Arise, Sir Percival, and go with me. She leads him to the
Round Table and seats him to the right of the Siege Perilous. Then she falls dead.

Percival has visions and spiritual creatures put him to tests (some good and some evil). He fears
none. Lancelot and Percival ride on the Quest and meet a disguised Galahad. Galahad unhorses
his father and rides off. Lancelot and Percival go after him. Percival is attacked by twenty men,
his horse dies and falls on him. He is dazed but sees a knight in Galahads armor chase the
robbers away. Galahad leaves and Percival is without a horse. He falls asleep but is awakened by
a woman. She promises a horse if Percival will do what is asked of him. He agrees and mounts a
19
horse. This is not an ordinary horse but one in the grips of enchantment. The horse travels in one
hour a distance that would normally would take four days. As he approaches raging water,
Percival makes the sign of the cross. The horse shrieks and throws Percival to the ground. The
horse turns into a burning devil and falls into the water.

Percival is on a mountainside ringed by the sea. As he goes into a valley, he sees a big snake
dragging a lion cub. A full grown lion begins attacking the snake. Percival kills the snake with
his sword. The lion becomes his friend and they keep company all day. That night Percival has
bad dreams but is reassured by the lions presence. The next day he sees a ship covered in black
silk with a beautiful lady. She calls him by name and offers to take him to Galahad. He is
thankful and makes the sign of the cross. She instantly turns into a swirling black cloud and falls
into the sea leaving a trail of fire. Her ship remains and Percival leaves the lion and sets off.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 13: Sir Lamorak, Sir Percival

Chapter 14: The Death of Dindrane

In his dream, Gawaine saw three white bulls representing Sir Bors, Percival, and Galahad. But
only one will return from the Quest, Sir Bors. He is the nephew of Lancelot and also from
France. One night he is awakened by a voice telling him to go to the sea where Percival awaits.
He saddles his horse and rides to the sea. There is a ship glowing with a strange whiteness. All is
silent. Sir Bors goes on board and the ship magically pulls away. He can see nothing so he falls
asleep. Upon waking, he sees Percival; they share stories.

Galahad is also brought to the ship by Dindrane, Percivals sister and daughter of King
Pelllinore. Dindrane is also called Blanchefleur; she will guide the three knights. She gives
Galahad a sword that makes the owner unable to be wounded or weary.

They go to find the wounded Keeper of the Hallows. As they pass a castle, a knight on patrol
seizes Dindranes bridle and will not let her pass without yielding to the custom of the castle. She
must fill a silver dish with blood from her right arm. All three knights declare no such thing will
happen. A battle ensues until dark. Then a truce is called and the castle people offer safety and
safe exit in the morning. They accept and go inside.

People explain that the lady of the castle is ill. A hermit said if she is anointed with the blood of a
maiden, a daughter of a King, she will be healed. Dindrane agrees to help even though she might
die. As the bleeding occurs, Dindrane grows faint. She asks Percival to put her in a boat that will
drift. As soon as the three come to Sarras for the Holy Grail, she will be there. She asks to be
buried there where Galahad and Percival will be buried. On the day that Dindrane dies, the lady
is healed. Percival puts Dindrane on a barge with black silk. The barge floats away. The knights
return to the castle and suddenly thunder, lightning and rain fall as though the world has broken.
The knights separate; they do not know where Sarras is or how to get there. But they believe they
will find it as Dindrane said.

About the same time, Lancelot has a vision that he should enter the first boat that he sees. He
comes to a beach and finds a boat without oar or sail. The body of Dindrane is there; he lives on
the barge for a month watching over her. One night the barge is rocked onto a beach. A man,
Galahad, approaches. For six months, they live on the barge going to strange islands.
20
One day a knight in white tells Galahad to take his horse in Quest of the Holy Grail. Lancelot
kisses his son good-bye as they part forever.

Lancelot continues on the boat for a month and the boat lands on a rock. He sees a castle and
comes to a closed door. He cannot open it but knows that the Holy Grail is inside. He begs Christ
to forgive him and show him the Grail. The door opens and a brilliant clearness spreads through
the castle. A voice forbids him to enter so he kneels down at the threshold. Inside is a silver table
with the Holy Grail covered in red silk, a red rose, and many angels. There is a man dressed as a
priest in front of the Grail. When the man almost falls, Lancelot steps inside the room. He is
knocked back by a fiery blast and becomes deaf, blind, and paralyzed.

He is found the next day and taken to Pelles where he learns that Elaine, his wife, is dead. They
talk about the strange things that have happened. He returns to Arthur and Guenevere in Camelot
and tells them stories of Galahad, Percival, Bors, etc.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 14: Sir Bors, Dindrane

Chapter 15: The Achievement of the Grail

One day Galahad, Percival, and Bors meet at a crossroads. They know the time is near and ride
together to Carbonek. Pelles welcomes them. That night the Grail appears to these three knights,
plus three from Gaul, three from Ireland and three from Denmark. There is an old man who tells
Galahad to go hence and bear with him the holy vessel. It will disappear that night and never be
seen again because of the evil ways of the people.

They go to sea taking with them the blood of the spear to anoint Pelles who is later healed. They
ride to a river and see a boat. It is the barge with Dindrane. They take the silver table ashore and
put the Holy Grail safely inside it. Then they bring Dindranes body up and bury her. Because
the lord of the castle is afraid that he will lose his power, he seizes the knights and imprisons
them for a year. They are freed just before he dies.

Galahad is chosen to rule in his place. On the first anniversary of Galahads being king, they find
the Holy Grail out of the chest. A man surrounded by angels is kneeling beside it. Galahad goes
to Sir Percival and then to Sir Bors and kisses them. He kneels down and his soul is carried by
angels up to heaven. A hand comes down and takes the Grail and lance to heaven.

Now the chance that men can be good and happy is ended. Because The Hallows have caused
quarreling and bloodshed, they are in heaven. Galahad is buried with Dindrane. Percival
becomes a monk and lives a year and two months. Sir Bors buries him beside Galahad and
Dindrane. Bors returns to Camelot. He has been gone so long that they think he is dead. The
King dismisses everyone but Lancelot and the secretaries. The reports of Bors are made into
books kept in the library at Salisbury. The King knows that sadder days are coming. He is
middle-aged; the Round Table is gone; and the Holy Grail has returned to heaven.

21
Part IV: The End of the Round Table

Chapter 16: Sir Lancelot and the Lily Maid of Astolat

A few knights have returned from the Quest but court is empty. Arthur holds a tournament to
cheer the knights and give them practice in arms. Lancelot decides to fight the team of visitors
in disguise. On the ride from London to Winchester, everyone stops at Astolat. Lancelot follows
them, in new armor with his visor down, and his leopard shield covered.

Old Sir Bernard of Astolat has two sons, Torre and Lavaine, who are new knights. His daughter,
Elaine dearly loved by the people, is called Lily Maid of Astolat. Only Lancelot stops at
Bernards castle. He asks to borrow a plain shield so that he can joust unrecognized. He is given
the shield of Torre to use. Elaine falls in love with Lancelot.

The next morning, Lancelot and Lavaine prepare to leave. Elaine asks Lancelot to wear her favor
at the tournament. She tells him this will help his disguise, so he accepts and ties her red favor on
his helmet. On the way to Camelot, Lancelot tells Lavaine who he is. They come to the camp of
the opposing knights and wait in hiding while the teams line up. Arthurs knights press the others
hard. Lancelot sees a way to divide them and charges in. Together he and Lavaine knock down
seven men. Then Lancelots horse is hurled to the ground and his side is pierced by Sir Bors
spear.

Lavaine gets another horse and rescues Lancelot. Lancelot fights hard knocking down six
knights. In the final act of victory, he takes off their helmets proving he could cut off their heads
if he wished. Lancelot and Lavaine strike down forty men, winning the match. It is announced
that the knight with red is to be awarded a prize. The wounded Lancelot and Lavaine turn and
ride into the woods.

They visit an old friend who is a doctor. Meanwhile Arthur is searching for the victorious knight.
Everyone returns to London. Gawaine stops at the castle in Astolat and finds out the knight
wearing red is Lancelot. The news spreads and Sir Bors is greatly disturbed that he wounded
him. Elaine persuades her brother to take her to Lancelot. She nurses him day and night.
Lancelot heals and eventually they go back to Astolat.

Elaine asks Lancelot to marry her or she will die for his love. Lancelot declines but promises to
be her knight. Elaine falls down unconscious but Lancelot and Lavaine leave. For nine days and
nights Elaine refuses to eat or drink. On the tenth day, she asks her father to write her history in a
letter. She wants to be put on a barge and carried by the river to London.

Arthur and Guenevere see a barge on the river. The King reads the letter which requests a burial
for Elaine and the request is granted. Then the servant rows the barge back to Astolat.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 16: Sir Bernard, Elaine, Lily Maid of Astolat, Sir Lavaine

Chapter 17: The Queen and the Poisoned Apple

Now that the Holy Grail is ended and Galahad is dead, there is a new generation of invaders. The
22
middle-aged knights are in low spirits and quarrel with each other. Lancelot tries to stay away on
patrol. One day, while he is gone, the Queen gives a dinner for twenty-four senior knights.
Gawaine who is known to love apples and pears is there. All of Gawaines brothers who make up
the Orkney clan are also there. Also Sir Pinel, cousin to Lamorak, is there. Sir Pinel poisons
some apples and puts them in the dish nearest Gawaine. As Gawaine talks, Sir Patrise, sitting
next to him, eats an apple. He falls down dead.

Gawaine believes the apple was poisoned by the Queen and accuses her. She doesnt answer and
then others repeat the accusation. The King is called and the charge repeated to him. They
request the Queen be burned to death. The method of trial will be a battle between Sir Mador and
a champion for the Queen. The King chooses the longest time that law will allow so the battle is
to be held in fifteen days. If no champion appears for the Queen, she will be burned at the stake.

Sir Bors is asked to be champion and he promises to do so unless a better knight comes forward.
Bors rides out to meet Lancelot and explains the plot against the Queen. Knowing that Sir Mador
is impatient, Lancelot tells Bors to delay the battle. On the fifteenth day, a huge crowd gathers.
Sir Bors holds things up and then they retire to their tents to take arms. Lancelot, dressed in
white, comes out and challenges Bors for the right to be champion. Bors withdraws and Mador
faces the strange knight.

Mador falls down and they battle on foot. Finally, Lancelot strikes him and Mador begs for his
life. Mador promises to withdraw his accusation and never mention it again. Arthur and
Guenevere thank the knight who is Lancelot. An enchantress declares Pinel guilty and he flees to
France.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 17: Sir Mador

Chapter 18: Sir Meliagraunce

Sir Meliagraunce, a wicked man, is in love with Guenevere. One day when Lancelot is away, the
Queen rides into the fields near Westminister with ten knights and ten ladies. They are unarmed
and carry only light swords. Meliagraunce appears with two hundred men prepared for fighting.
The Queens men fight but are unsuccessful. The Queen yields and they are all taken to the
castle. Secretly, she tells a page to slip away and take her ring to Lancelot.

Meliagraunce sends men to ambush Lancelot. Upon seeing the ring, Lancelot gets his armor and
horse and leaves. He rides into the ambush and his horse is shot down. Lancelot continues on
foot dressed in his heavy armor. He comes upon a woodmans cart. It is a rule of etiquette that no
knight should ride in a cart, so the men refuse to take him. Lancelot jumps into the cart and
knocks one man out. The other takes him to the castle.

The Queen sees Lancelot coming in the cart. Lancelot bursts in and Meliagraunce is terrified. He
begs the Queen to save him from Lancelot, which she does. Trial by battle is arranged for eight
days later. Meliagraunce invites Lancelot to inspect his castle but lays a trap. Lancelot steps in
and drops into a cellar. Everyone assumes he has gone back to Westminster. The Queen is
escorted back to court. Meliagraunce acts strangely and they begin to suspect something has
happened to Lancelot. Lavaine offers to fight in Lancelots place.

23
Lancelot is tempted by a castle workers wife who brings him food. But he refuses to be her
knight and break his vow. On the day of battle, she lets Lancelot escape. Lancelot arrives in time
to fight Meliagraunce. But rather than fight, Meliagraunce slides off his horse and refuses to
fight. He asks Lancelot as a fellow knight of the Round Table not to kill him. Lancelot tells him
to get up and fight. Again Meliagraunce refuses. Lancelot offers to take off his helmet, all the
armor on his left side, and fight with his left hand tied behind him. Meliagraunce accepts. Most
men can not even lift their sword with one hand so the odds are great against Lancelot. Lancelot
kills Meliagraunce.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 18: Sir Meliagraunce

Chapter 19: The Civil War

Arthurs brotherhood of the Round Table has survived for thirty years. The final breakdown is
caused by the war between Arthur and Lancelot. The Orkney clan (sons of Arthurs sister,
Morgause) want power. They are determined to bring the Queen and Lancelot down. Agravaine
and Modred are the clan leaders who tell others that Lancelot is plotting with the Queen to make
himself King. They convince others that it is their duty to help King Arthur. So these two plus
twelve other knights ambush Lancelot when he is alone with the Queen and is unarmed. They are
preparing to break down the door when Lancelot says he will open it. He opens the door and one
knight rushes in; they close the door quickly and kill the knight. Lancelot takes the armor and
sword, opens the door and kills all but Mordred who runs away. Lancelot knows the King will
have to punish him for killing knights in the palace.

Lancelot leaves the Queen and meets with the Benwick clan. They decide to stand with Lancelot.
Mordred and Gawaine request a meeting with the King and tell him about the Queens plot. They
demand she be burned and Lancelot outlawed. The King is heartbroken and realizes that the
Orkney clan has finally succeeded in defeating him. The King orders the arrest of the Queen.

The next morning when the Queen is led out to be burned, the Benwick clan attacks. Twenty-
four knights are killed, but Mordred escapes. Lancelot grabs hold of Guenevere and pulls her
onto his horse. They ride away to Joyous Gard, his stronghold. The kingdom is split and most of
the northern knights join Lancelot. Before summer, the Kings army marches to Joyous Gard.
The battles are fierce. King Arthur is struck down by Sir Bors. Lancelot gets off his horse and
goes to the King. The two look upon each other with tears; then the King rides away.

The battle continues for many days. The Pope sends a note to Arthur and tells him to take back
his wife and make peace with Lancelot. He agrees to do both. As Arthur and Lancelot meet for
the last time, they know they are greater than the men who have tricked them. But they are
helpless to do anything at this moment.

Lancelot brings the Queen to Arthur. Gawaine declares Lancelot is exiled and has fifteen days to
leave the country. Lancelot, tears falling down his cheeks, says good-bye to Guenevere and gives
her hand to Arthur. In silence, he passes through the knights and out of Britain. Everyone weeps
except Gawaine.

24
Chapter 20: The Departure of Sir Lancelot

Lancelot gathers his friends at Joyous Gard to say good-bye. They decide to go with him to
France. Lancelot prepares for war because he knows Gawaine will come. In a few months,
Arthur and Gawaine come with an army. An offer of peace is sent to the Kings camp. Gawaine
rejects the peace offer. The siege lasts for six months. Lancelot agrees to joust with Gawaine.
The fight lasts three hours and Gawaine lies helpless on the ground. Lancelot refuses to kill a
helpless man. Three weeks later, when he has healed, they fight again. The result is the same and
Gawaines thirst for revenge grows. Meanwhile, news reaches Arthur that Mordred has declared
himself king by telling Britain that both Arthur and Lancelot are dead. Mordred is going to force
Guenevere to marry him. She has locked herself in the Tower of London. The King orders his
men back to Britain.


Chapter 21: The Last Battle and the Death of Arthur

Mordred is ready for the Kings return and puts a heavy force on Dover Beach. But Arthur
pushes through. Gawaine is mortally wounded. Before he dies, he writes a note to Lancelot,
asking him to return to Britain and help the King. The last battle is fought on the far west
seacoast on a misty day. The night before battle, in his dreams, Arthur is warned of his death if
he fights Mordred. He is told to make a treaty until Lancelot can arrive in a month. All of his
leaders agree to make a treaty. A meeting is arranged, but neither side trusts the other. They each
instruct their leaders to rush into battle if a single sword is drawn.

The treaty is signed. As they wait, a snake stings a knight on the foot. He pulls out his sword to
kill the snake but the suspicious armies rush upon each other. The rebels are trapped against the
beach. They fight all day until a hundred thousand knights lay dead. Only two remain standing
by the King--Sir Lucan and Sir Bedivere. They are both wounded. The King sees Mordred and
rushes towards him. His sword goes through Mordred who strikes the King on the helmet and
pierces through to his head. Both fall, Mordred dead and Arthur mortally wounded.

Bedivere takes Arthur to a chapel. Arthur asks him to take Excalibur to the waters edge and
throw it in. When Bedivere gets to the water, he hides Excalibur under a tree and returns to
Arthur. Arthur knows he did not throw the sword into the water. He again tells him to do so.
Bedivere believes the sword should be saved as proof of the greatness of Arthur and the Round
Table. When he returns, he again tells Arthur that he has thrown the sword into the water. Arthur
calls him a traitor. This time he throws Excalibur into the water. He sees the arm rise, catch it by
the hilt, brandish it three times, then take it underwater.

Bedivere takes Arthur on his shoulders to the water. They see a barge covered in black, crowded
with figures--several queens. Bedivere puts Arthur on the barge and lays his head in the Queens
lap. She calls out, Ah, my dear brother! Why have you stayed so long from me? The barge
pulls away leaving Bedivere on shore. Arthur tells him he is going to Avalon to heal his wounds.

Bedivere walks all night through the woods. He comes to a chapel with a hermit who is praying
beside a new grave. The hermit tells Bedivere that, at midnight, a number of ladies brought the
dead man to be buried. Bedivere believes it is the grave of Arthur and asks permission to stay.
25
No one is certain who is buried nor where the barge has gone.

As Arthurs birth was a secret, so is his death. He has gone to Avalon to heal his wounds, but
what will happen when he is healed? In the dark days that follow, it is whispered that Arthur is
not dead. He has gone to another place but will return again to create a realm of right and justice.
Men say that, in an unknown tomb near Glastonbury, there is a prophecy carved into the wood. It
is barely readable. In Latin it says, HOC JACET ARTHURUS, REX QUONDAM REXQUE
FUTURUS. (Here lies Arthur, King that was, and King that shall be.)

Characters Introduced in Chapter 21: Sir Bedivere

Chapter 22: The Death of Guenevere and of Sir Lancelot

After Guenevere hears of Arthurs death, she leaves London and goes to Amesbury and becomes
a nun. Because of her character and goodness, she eventually becomes head of the abbey. Sir
Lancelot does not know that Arthur is dead so he gathers Sir Bors and others to go to London.
They arrive on Dover Beach and learn about the last battle. Lancelot makes peace with the dead
Gawaine and goes to look for the Queen. Bors begs him to take some of his faithful knights with
him, but Lancelot wants to journey alone.

Lancelot goes to the abbey and sees Guenevere. She begs him never to come near her again.
Through this man and me has all this war happened, and the deaths of the noblest knights of the
world, and through us is my most noble lord slain.

Lancelot says he will adopt a religious life too. He asks Guenevere to kiss him, which she refuses
to do. He rides to the chapel where Bedivere and the hermit live and becomes a hermit himself.
Sir Bors and Sir Ector, Lancelots brother, are led by mysterious forces to the hermitage where
Lancelot lives. They stay and lead a holy life.

Six years later, Lancelot has a vision that tells him to go to the Queen. He and his friends walk to
Amesbury but find that she has died. They escort her to Glastonbury for the burial. Lancelot does
not eat or drink and spends most of his time by the Queens tomb. One night Ector awakes
suddenly and rushes to Lancelot. He finds him dead. He recounts the virtues of Lancelot. Sir
Bedivere stays in the hermitage for the rest of his life. Bors and Ector return to France and later
die on a crusade.

26

KING ARTHUR
AND
THE ROUND TABLE

Student Activity Packet
Part I: Founding of the Round Table
Chapters 1 through 5

Student name _________________________
27
Chapter 1: The Birth of Arthur

In her book Ms. Hadfield uses powerful descriptions and rich vocabulary. Often she provides
context clues to help students figure out what a word means. Sometimes words have more than
one meaning and even looking up definitions in a dictionary isnt enough. You need an
understanding of word parts (prefix and suffix) and word usage. Finding synonyms (words with
same meaning) and antonyms (opposite meaning) helps with understanding.

Characters Introduced in Chapter 1

Uther Pendragon: King of Logres
Husband of Igraine
Father of Arthur
Duke of Cornwall: First husband of Igraine
Castles at Tintagel and Terrabil
Merlin: Grandson of Conaan, Welsh chieftain
Advisor to Uther Pendragon and King Arthur
Mysterious sorcerer and prophetcasts spells, sees future
Igraine: Duchess of Cornwall
Mother of Morgause and Morgan Le Fay by 1st husband
Wife of Uther Pendragon
Mother of Arthur
King Arthur: Son of Uther Pendragon and Igraine
Half- brother of Morgause of Orkney and Morgan Le Fay
King of Logres
Husband of Guenevere
Founded Knights of the Round Table

Chapter 1: Vocabulary Focus--foretold, heir, summoned, realm

From the following sentences figure out the best meaning of the vocabulary words highlighted in
bold. Answer each part of the questions.

1. Although he was, as Merlin foretold, heir to Uther.....
Fore is a prefix meaning before. What does foretold mean?
What is a synonym (word that means the same)?

2. Although he (Arthur) was, as Merlin foretold, heir to Uther, no one can prove who his
parents were.
What does heir mean? (Hint: If Arthur inherits Uthers kingdom, he is the heir.)

Is there a relationship between Uther and Arthur?

What could that relationship be?

3. ...but in time, he (Merlin) brought him to Sir Ector and there summoned a priest...
Two years after this event, the King fell ill. Merlin summoned all the lords together..
28
Are people coming together or moving apart?
Is it for a special reason?
What does summoned mean?
What is an antonym (opposite) for summoned?

4. Sir, after your days are done, shall your son Arthur be king of this realm?
What other words could make sense here?
What is the relationship between Uther and Arthur?

Chapter 1: Study Questions

1. The setting describes the time and location of a story. Where does Uther lay siege
on the Duke of Cornwall?

2. What are the causes of Uthers sickness?

3. What is the promise that Uther makes to Merlin in return for curing him?

4. How does Uther feel when it is time to give the child away?

5. The child is given to an unknown poor man (Merlin in disguise). Why do you think
he is in disguise? What are his reasons for doing this?

6. When the King is near death, Merlin summons the great lords together. What does he ask
the King? What is his motivation for asking the King in front of the lords?

Chapter 2: The Sword in the Stone

Sir Ector: Father of Sir Kay
Foster-father of Arthur
Sir Kay: Son of Sir Ector
Foster brother to Arthur

29
Chapter 2: Vocabulary Focus -- misery, rightful, tournament, deceive

1. Great was the misery of Britain.
Used as a noun, misery is: (a) condition in which a person suffers greatly or is very
unhappy; (b) something that causes great suffering such as an illness.
Which of these definitions fits best?
What is a synonym for misery?
What is an antonym for misery?

2. ...a miracle would prove who was the rightful king of Britain.
When the suffix -ful is added to the end of a noun, it can mean: full of, likely to, an
amount or having the ways of.
Which meaning makes sense for rightful?
Adding the suffix -ful changes the noun to an adjective.
What adjective means full of joy?
What adjective means an amount to fill a teaspoon?
What adjective means likely to forget?
What adjective means full of peace?
What adjective means full of rest?

3. A tournament was announced for New Years Day, when the knights were each invited
to try to pull out the sword. After the church service, they all rode in a merry
company to the tournament field.
Is a tournament a person, place, or thing?
Who is invited to participate?
What is the mood of the participants?
Does a tournament sound like a celebration or a battle?

4. Now Kay, being a knight, knew the meaning of the sword in the stone... He unwisely
thought he could deceive others about how he got it.
Is Kay telling the truth about how he got the sword?
Does he want others to believe his lie?
How did he really get the sword?
How does he attempt to deceive Ector?


1. Describe the great misery of Britain after the death of Uther.

2. The author uses figurative language to describe the sword in the stone. Find this
description on page 19 and explain what it means.

3. How does Arthur prove himself to be the rightful king? What is the reaction of Ector? Of
the other lords?

30
4. Foreshadowing is an authors technique used to signal something is going to happen.
Arthur knew that a peaceful reign did not lie ahead of him. A heavy task lay before
him... What is the author telling us at this point?

5. Review the main events in this chapter. Think about how one action causes something
else to happen. Make a chain of events with six links to show these events in order.

Chapter 3: The Sword in the Lake

Sir Pellinore: From Wales
Father of Percival, Lamorak, Dindrane
Lady of the Lake: Mysterious, magical lake fairy
Raised Lancelot du Lac

Chapter 3: Vocabulary Focus -- altar, alter, two, to, too, yield, prophecy

1. Words that sound alike but have different spellings and meanings are called homophones.
Altar and alter are homophones. That sword still lay on the altar where he had placed
it at his coronation. Anyone who does not like my custom can alter it if he can.
Which word means to make different?
Which word means a table used in religious celebrations?
Show you understand the word altar by writing it in a sentence.

What could you alter? your birthday, your age, the length of your hair

2. At last King Arthur struck such a blow that his sword broke in two. As they went on,
the track led to a fountain. ..but Arthur was too young to be worried. The knight
brought a shield, lance, and horse too. Two, too, and to are homophones.
What is the meaning of each in the above sentences?
3. The knight cried out that Arthur must yield. I would rather die than yield to you as
beaten, said King Arthur and he sprang at the knight.
What does the knight expect Arthur to do?
Would he continue to fight if he yields?
What does yield mean?
What does a driver do when he/she comes to a yellow yield sign?

4. This was an evil prophecy, but Arthur was too young to be worried
Does a prophecy tell about the past or the future?
What other words do you know that sound like prophecy?
What would a prophet do?
What is a synonym for prophecy?

31
Chapter 3: Grammar Activities

There are four types of sentences: declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory. Both
declarative and imperative sentences end in a period. Imperative sentences give a command. List
the type for each of the following sentences.

Get into the boat and row to the sword.
The hand let go and the arm sank back under the still water.
The Lady of the Lake had disappeared.
O, Balan, I have hurt my brother!
Is there a knight in the court?
Take it and the scabbard with you.
Oh, is that he?
If only I had a sword in my hand or even a spear!


1. Why is Arthur angry when Merlin casts a spell over the black knight?

2. Who is the black knight?

3. What is the evil prophecy that Merlin makes? What relationship to Arthur is the son of
his own sister?

4. Make a sketch of the strange sight that is described in the middle of page 29.

5. How does Arthur get another sword?

6. Describe Excalibur and the carvings on it.
32
Chapter 4: Sir Balin and the Hallows

Sir Balan: Brother of Balin, the Savage
Sir Balin, the Savage: Brother of Balan
Sir Garlon: Brother of Lord Pelles of Carbonek
Uncle of Elaine
Sir Pelles: Ruler of Carbonek, Keeper of the Hallows
Father of Elaine
Brother of Sir Garlon

Chapter 4: Vocabulary Focus - hallow, avenge, mortally, treachery

1. There were strange and mysterious things in Britain in King Arthurs Day- these things
were called the Hallows.
What is the dictionary definition of hallow?
Something hallow is related to _______.

2. Sir Balin pulled out the spear and swore to avenge the death of the knight under his
protection.
Did someone hurt Sir Balin?
Is Sir Balin upset over something that happened to someone else?
What do you think avenge means?

3. At last, the two knights collapsed on the ground, mortally wounded.
Someone who has been mortally wounded is near death. A human is a mortal
because he/she will _________ and not live forever. But Roman god and
goddesses were considered immortal because they _____________________.

4. The bridge was only six inches wide, and no man could pass over it unless he was a
knight without treachery. Treachery means betraying trust or loyalty. Would someone
without treachery be trustworthy and loyal?
Who would be without treachery?
__ a knight loyal to King Arthur
__ a knight who battles against King Arthur
__ a peasant who runs away
__ a peasant who works the lords land


1. Religion was very important in day to day life. What are the Hallows and why are they so
important?

2. Make a sketch of the Holy Grail and lance as they are described on pg. 34.

33
3. Who is the Keeper of the Hallows and where are they kept?

4. What is Garlons special power and how does he use it? Since he is a knight, how does
this fit with the Code of Chivalry?

5. What is Balins motivation for being at the Castle of Carbonek? What is the result of his
actions?

6. What happens after Pelles is stabbed in the thigh?

7. How does Merlin explain this destruction?

8. What is the result of Balin carrying a shield without his own device or coat of arms?

9. A proverb is a short saying that expresses something many people believe to be true.
Two wrongs dont make a right is a proverb that means you cant correct one wrong
thing by doing another wrong thing. Explain how this proverb could apply to the actions
of Balin, the Savage.

Chapter 5: The Marriage of Arthur and the Founding of the Round Table

King Leodegrance: King of Cameliard, Father of Guenevere
Sir Lancelot: Son of King Ban of Benwick (SW France)
Champion of Guenevere, Husband of Lady Elaine
Father of Galahad
Queen Guenevere: Daughter of King Leodegrance of Cameliard
Wife of King Arthur
Sir Gawaine: Son of Queen Morgause and King Lot of Orkney
Brother of Agravaine, Gaheris, Gareth; half-brother of Mordred
Nephew of King Arthur
34
Sir Gaheris: Son of Queen Morgause and King Lot of Orkney
Brother of Agravaine, Gawaine, Gareth and half-brother of
Mordred

Chapter 5: Vocabulary Focus - enforced, route, perilous, revenge, fellowship

1. But gradually he gathered good knights around him, set up a court and government,
and enforced his rule through the entire kingdom.
When the prefix en- is added to the beginning of a word, it can mean: to put into or to
make. En- is often used to make a word stronger in meaning. Enliven means to liven very
much.
So what does the word enforced mean?
What rules are likely to be enforced at school?
What rules are likely to be enforced on a school bus?

2. Sometimes the best route was by water, when the King sent barges to meet them...
A route is a _________ to be followed to get to another ____________.
Look at the map of Arthurs Britain and decide if a water or land route is best.
If you are traveling from Lyonesse to Tintagel? From London to Stonehenge?
From Scotland to the Orkney Islands?

3. Three were left empty, and over one was written: The Siege Perilous. Continue
reading the passage on page 48 beginning with Sir, said Merlin, no man shall sit...
What will happen if the wrong person sits in Siege Perilous?
What does perilous mean?
For whom is the seat reserved?

4. Do not do it now, said Gaheris, for I am only a squire, but when I am a knight I shall
want revenge on him too.
Re- added to the beginning of a word means again or back.
Vengeance is the act of getting even with someone.
How could Gaheris get revenge?

5. He gave lands to the poor ones and made them an equal fellowship, none above or
below his brother...
As a suffix, -ship can mean a condition or quality (friendship); a profession (lordship); or
a skill (horsemanship). The root word in fellowship is fellow.
What is a fellow student?
A fellow scout?
Which suffix meaning best fits with fellowship?
What is a synonym for fellowship?

35

1. How has Arthur changed from the fair-haired fifteen year old at the beginning of his
reign?

2. How has the kingdom changed? What does the author mean by happiness and order in
cottage and castle?

3. Describe the wedding present that King Leodegrance gives to Arthur.

4. What does the Round Table represent or symbolize to Arthur?

Chapter 5: Grammar Activity: Nouns

Nouns can be concrete (a person, place, or thing) or abstract (an idea). Concrete nouns are easy
to picture and describe. Nouns that identify a particular person, place, or thing are proper nouns.
Proper nouns are capitalized. In the following sentences, underline the common nouns once and
proper nouns twice.

Pellinore was also at the wedding.
Under a blossoming apple tree, she met Sir Lancelot.
In great splendor, King Arthur was married to Lady Guenevere in the cathedral of St.
Stephens in Camelot.
Then the King established all his knights.
The Round Table was set up in the great hall and seats made for it.

Abstract nouns are ideas or feelings that are difficult to describe and picture. Some examples of
abstract nouns are love and goodness. Using a semantic word map* helps to describe an abstract
noun. It allows you to describe what it is like and give examples. Working with a partner, use the
semantic word map to describe the abstract noun love or goodness.
*See page 85 for a model form of a semantic word map.

36
Activities for Part I: The Founding of the Round Table

Vocabulary Review Chapters 1 - 5 Match each word to the best definition.

1. summoned __ dangerous
2. foretold __ to give way or surrender
3. heir __ to change or make different
4. realm __ betrayal of trust or loyalty
5. misery __ brought together for a special purpose
6. tournament __ able to cause death
7. deceive __ the person who inherits property of another
8. rightful __ made happen by use of force
9. yield __ predicting something before it happens
10. alter __ a path of travel
11. altar __ a table used for worship in church
12. prophecy __ kingdom
13. hallowed* __ prediction of what will happen
14. avenge __ to exact revenge, to inflict punishment on behalf of someone
15. mortally __ great suffering and unhappiness
16. treachery __ made holy or used for holy purposes
17. enforced __ having legal claim to throne
18. route __ a practice battle for knights to show skill
19. revenge __ to lie or mislead
20. perilous __ companionship of friends with common interests
21. fellowship __ getting even with some one who hurt you

*Used more specifically in King Arthur to designate the Grail cup and the sword used to pierce the body of
Christ

37

Part I: Related Activities: The Founding of the Round Table

During battles a knight wore armor and a visor that covered his face. Because it was important to
identify his opponent, each knight carried a shield that identified him or his family. These shields
included symbols, geometric designs, and various colors. Research heraldry and then design a
personal shield that includes symbols of things important to you.

In the Pearson book, on page 59, the Kiss of Peace describes a medieval lord paying homage to
his king. Reenact this solemn ceremony using simple costumes and props.

Research the stages of knighthood. Make a time-line using key words, pictures, and ages to show
progression from page to knight.

Enter the Pages Challenge and earn points for classroom behaviors; take on the Squires
Challenge and demonstrate courtesy and courage in the school; now become a knight.

Imagine you are Arthur. Write a letter to King Leodegrance to thank him for allowing you to
marry his daughter. Tell him about the Round Table and your fellowship of knights. Imagine you
are Guenevere and write a letter to your father. Tell him about your trip to Camelot, your
wedding and coronation. Decorate the border with things you describe in your letter.
38

KING ARTHUR
AND
THE ROUND TABLE

Part II: The Round Table in Action

Student name _________________________
39
Chapter 6: Sir Lancelot


Chapter 6: Vocabulary Focus - merits, expedition, sorceress, bough

From the following sentences, figure out the best meaning of the vocabulary words highlighted
in bold. Answer each part of the questions. Youll need a dictionary for some.

1. He came in poor clothes as someone unknown and won his fame by his own merits and
not on the strength of his family or wealth.
How many entries are there for merits?
Write out the one that fits best.
What part of speech is it?
What is a synonym for merits?

2. Sir Lancelot went with King Arthur on a two-year expedition into France, Italy, and
finally Rome
How many entries are there for expedition?
What is a synonym for expedition?

3. Not only had he saved Sir Meliots life, but he had broken the power of the sorceress
whose spells had caught and killed many good knights.
How many entries are there for sorceress?
What is a sorcerer? What is sorcery?

4. falcon flew into an elm tree trailing her long leashes. They caught in a bough, and as
she tried to flutter off, she was jerked back and hung by the legs.
Where is the falcon?
What is caught in the bough?
What is a bough part of?
What is a synonym for bough?


1. What is the family background of Lancelot du Lac?

2. How has Lancelot earned the title the greatest knight?

3. Lancelot takes Sir Kays shield and helmet and leaves his own shield for Kay. Why does
he do this?

Do you think it is wise? What might happen to him? To Sir Kay?
40
4. When Lancelot meets a crying woman, she calls upon his oath of knighthood to help
her brother. Why do you think she says this?

5. Imagine you are Lancelot approaching the Perilous Chapel in search of the sword and
cloth. Write a paragraph to describe what you see and how you feel about entering the
chapel.

6. Lancelot encounters two women who try to trick him. Pick one of these adventures to
summarize using a chain of events (6 8 links).

Chapter 7: Sir Tristram

King Anguish: King of Ireland
Father of Iseult
Wifes brother is Sir Marhaus
Iseult: Daughter of King Anguish of Ireland
Niece of Sir Marhaus
Wife of King Mark of Cornwall
Sir Marhaus: Brother of Queen of Ireland
Uncle of Iseult
King Mark: King of Cornwall
Brother of Elizabeth, Queen of Lyonesse
Uncle of Tristram
Husband of Iseult
King Melodias: King of Lyonesse
Husband of Elizabeth
Father of Tristram
Sir Palomides: Islamic warrior from Syria, Saracen
Sir Tristram: Son of Melodias, King of Lyonesse and Elizabeth
Nephew of King Mark of Cornwall
41
Chapter 7: Vocabulary Focus - jealous, give ground, concealed, charge

1. His new wife was jealous of Tristram because he would rule the land after his father,
instead of one of her own sons.
Is the new wife happy that Tristram will rule?
Who does she want to rule?
What do you think jealous means?
Describe a time when you were jealous.

2. They fought for half a day, and then the older knight began to give ground.
When might you give ground? __in tug of war __planting seeds __castle defense
What happens if you give ground?

3. He concealed his name because he had lately defeated the Kings knight Marhaus.
Did he tell his name?
What is a synonym for conceal?
What is an antonym for conceal?

4. The king had a daughter named Iseult who was a surgeon. Tristram was given into her
charge to be healed of his wound. There he learned that King Anguish had arrived to
answer a charge of treason
How many entries for charge are there in the dictionary?
What is the best meaning for given into her charge?
What is the best meaning for answer a charge of treason?
What is a different meaning for charge?

5. This was the end of Sir Lancelots quest and of Tristrams wanderings, for Sir Lancelot
took him to Camelot to King Arthur. Use your dictionary.
What is a quest?
Is it a long or short experience?

42

Chapter 7 Study Questions

1. Why does Tristrams stepmother try to poison him? How is she saved?

2. Give some examples of Tristrams determination.

3. When Tristram fights for King Mark, he is wounded. What happens to his opponent, Sir
Marhaus?

4. Why does Tristram conceal his name from King Mark and the Queen

5. How does the Queen find out her brother was killed by Tristram?

6. After Tristram returns to Cornwall, King Mark sends him back to Ireland. Why?

7. True to his word, Tristram returns to Ireland and asks Iseult to marry his uncle, King
Mark. What happens on the journey back to Cornwall that spoils the Queens plans?

8. What do Arthur and the Round Table symbolize to knights everywhere?

43
Chapter 8: The End of Merlin

Vivien: Young lady of court. Raised by Lady of the Lake

Chapter 8: Vocabulary Focus - humility, enchantment, foreboding, folly

1. Perhaps he trusted too much in his own power and so forgot that humility is the root of
wisdom. Humility comes from the word humble. When you are humble, you are not too
proud and you do not pretend to be something youre not.
How can humility be the root of wisdom?

2. One day she found him in this mood and made him swear a magicians oath that he
would never break, that he would never use any enchantment against her. Enchant
means to influence by charm or magic. When you add the suffix ment to the end of a
word it means the result of or the state of.
What does enchantment mean?
What is the state of being refreshed?
What is the result of being nourished?

3. Merlin led her through the wood, and on the way a cloud of foreboding came over his
spirit. He was warned but his confidence in himself was too complete.
Is there a real cloud over Merlin?
Does a cloud of foreboding sound positive?
Does it sound frightening?
Predict what might happen to Merlin.

4. Merlin is sealed up in the earth by his own folly and pride. If Merlin is sealed up in the
earth, has he used common sense?
Is he suffering because of his folly?
What is another word for folly?


1. Characters have reasons for the way that they act. One action causes something else to
happen. Fill in the chart below to show cause and effect.

Action Effect

Merlin falls in love with Vivien

Merlin swears a magicians oath

Merlin sees visions of what will happen

Merlin takes Vivien to the cave
44
2. A proverb is a short saying that expresses something many people believe to be true.
The bigger they are, the harder they fall is a proverb that means the more powerful a
person is, the bigger the shock he will feel when trouble occurs. Explain how this applies
to Merlin.

3. In the legend, what evidence is there that Merlin is still inside the earth?

Activities for Part II: The Round Table in Action

Vocabulary Review Chapters 6 8. Match each word to the best definition.

1. arms __ state of being bewitched or put under a spell
2. expedition __ surrender
3. sorceress __ wanting what someone else has
4. bough __ adventurous pursuit or journey, especially of a religious nature
5. fortnight __ premonition of evil, sense of impending misfortune
6. treason __ hidden
7. concealed __ female wizard
8. jealous __ foolishness
9. give ground __ adventure or journey with a purpose
10. quest __ limb, branch of tree
11. humility __ betrayal, violation of allegiance
12. enchantment __ two weeks
13. foreboding __ quality of being modest, not proud
14. folly __ weapons
45

Part II: Related Activities: The Roundtable in Action

1. Refer to the Code of Chivalry expectations on pages 50-51. Make a word map* to describe.
the concept of Chivalry. Refer to chapters 1 - 8 to find specific examples of Knights of the
Round Table following their code.
* See page 85 for an example of a word map

2. Make a chapter pyramid for one of the chapters. On the top line, in the middle of your paper,
write the name of a character; on line two write two words to show his/her feelings; then write
three words to describe where the main action takes place; four words to tell an important event;
five words to describe a problem that still exits.

3. Pick 3 characters to put on trading cards. On the front of each card, draw and color a picture
of the character and write their name. On the back, include important information about each
character. Include: name and approximate age, physical description, home, family members, job,
two or three life skills used by the character with an example of when each one was used.
(honesty, integrity, courage). Continue to make cards as characters are introduced.

4. Imagine you are invited to spend the day with Sir Lancelot, Sir Tristram, or Merlin. Describe
three activities you participate in together. Write a one paragraph description of what you see and
do. Include your reactions to each activity. Draw and color an illustration to go with each
activity.
46

KING ARTHUR
AND
THE ROUND TABLE

Part III: The Quest of the Grail

Student name _________________________
47
Chapter 9: The Birth of Galahad

Characters Introduced in Chapter 9:

Lady Elaine: Daughter of Lord Pelles of Carbonek, Keeper of the Hallows
Niece of Sir Garlon
Mother of Galahad
Galahad: Son of Lancelot and Elaine
Raised by Lady of the Lake and Nuns

Chapter 9: Vocabulary Focus - relieved, inscription, vessel, traitor, scandal


1. Sir Lancelot, who was used to being called the best knight in the world, was secretly
relieved that the siege was not for him.
Does Lancelot want the siege to be his?
What do you think relieved means?
What does this tell you about Lancelot?

2. On the tomb was an inscription that said,
Scribe is a root word that means to write. In is a prefix that means in, into, or not.
What does inscription mean?
What inscription would be on a coin?
Where else could you find an inscription?

3. This was followed by the appearance of a young girl, bearing in her hands a golden
vessel.
How many dictionary entries are there?
Which ones fit?
What might be in a holy vessel?

4. She called Lancelot a traitor and false knight and brought up all the things that had
been eating out his heart and that he hoped to hide from her.
Does Guenevere believe his stories?
Does she think he has been loyal?
What is a traitor?

5. Naturally this created a scandal at court. Soon it was whispered to the Queen that Sir
Lancelot was only pretending to shun Elaine... to keep in with the King and Queen...
Is a scandal something positive?
Is a scandal harmful?
48

1. Explain what the hermit tells Arthur about the knight and Siege Perilous.

2. How do the villagers get Lancelot to help the unhappy lady?

Do you think Lancelot was obligated to help? Why or why not?

3. The inscription on the tomb surprises Lancelot.
Who is the Leopard of Kings blood?
Who will slay the serpent?
Who will father a lion?
Who will surpass all other knights?

4. Describe the atmosphere in Carbonek that makes it possible for the Holy Grail to appear.

What would you like to have appeared on the table if you had been there?

5. Why is Lancelot filled with shame after marrying Elaine?

6. How does Guenevere react to the whispers about Elaine and Lancelot?

7. The proverb, Blow hot and cold means that a person is temperamental or has frequent
changes in mood. Contrast peoples reaction to Lancelot on page 99 with the Queens
reaction to him on 102. How does blow hot and cold apply?

49
Chapter 10: The Coming of Galahad to Court


Chapter 10: Vocabulary Focus - vigil, assembled, cherished

1. On the vigil of Pentecost the entire court and the knights of the Round Table were
gathered at the great feast.
Is Pentecost a religious celebration?
What is the best meaning for vigil from the dictionary?

2. As they assembled in the hall for dinner...
Are they coming together or separating?
What is an assembly?

3. Sir, they said, we bring you this child whom we have cherished, and we pray that you
make him a knight...
How many meanings are there for cherished in the dictionary?
Which one fits best?
What part of speech is cherished?
What is something that you cherish?


1. Why is Lancelot suspicious of the ladys request to go with her to the forest?

2. Describe the feelings that Lancelot has at the knighting of Galahad.

3. What causes a stir of excitement at the feast in Camelot?

4. Why doesnt Lancelot try to pull out the sword?

5. Why does Arthur insist that someone besides Gawaine try to pull out the sword?

6. What causes a sudden change in the mood of the feast?

7. What clues does the author give to show that Galahad is the knight that has no equal?

50
Chapter 11: How the Quest Began


Chapter 11: Vocabulary Words - peal, vow, motive, disentangle

1. Suddenly there was a terrific peal of thunder.
Would you hear or see a peal of thunder?
What would it sound like?
What does the homophone peel mean?

2. So, I here make a vow that tomorrow without delay, I shall set out on a Quest of the
Holy Grail, and that I shall keep it up for a year and a day...
What other words make sense here?
What are wedding vows?

3. Sir Lancelot knew that the motive was wrong--because it had been Gods decision not
to show the holy object...
What other words make sense here?
What motivates you to do your homework?

4. ...he also knew the entire day had been leading up to this, and the roots of it all lay far,
far back and were not for him to disentangle or deny.
The root word is tangle. What can get tangled?
en means to put into, on, or to make
dis means out of or the opposite
Disentangle means to
Disenchant means
Discolor means
Discomfort means
Encamp means
Encircle means
Enclose means


1. Reread the descriptions that appeal to the five senses on page 115. Write down words or
phrases that help you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste.

2. Do you think Gawaine is wise to make his vow? Why or why not?

51
3. King Arthur foresees the breakup of the Round Table and ruin of its good work. Why
will this happen?

4. Merlins prophecy that the son of Arthurs sister would destroy the kingdom is coming
true. Who has caused this to happen?

5. Pretend to be Arthur or Lancelot. Write a brief good-bye note to express your friendship
for the past 20 years.

52
Chapter 12: Sir Gawaine on the Quest

Sir Gareth: Son of Queen Morgause and King Lot of Orkney
Brother of Agravaine, Gawaine, Gaheris; half-brother of Mordred
Sir Uwaine: Knight of the Round Table

Chapter 12: Vocabulary Focus--amends, pondered, proper

1. He said Gawaine would get nowhere by going on in this spirit, and he must start all
over again... You must make amends for this killing, he said.
Does make amends mean to keep things the same?
What could it mean?
How could Gawaine make amends?

2. When they both awoke, Sir Gawaine and Sir Ector told each other their dreams and
pondered over them.
What other word makes sense?
What is the dictionary meaning?

3. In a valley, they met a knight, who used the proper salutes and gestures and offered to
joust with them.
What salutes and gestures could a knight give?
What would make them proper?
What would an improper salute mean?


1. What is Gawaine like as he sets out on his Quest? How is he different by the time he gets
to the abbey?

2. How did Gawaine, Gareth, and Uwaine break their oath for a holy Quest?

3. A symbol is an object that represents something important. Both Gawaine and Ector have
dreams filled with symbols. A hermit helps them understand the meaning. Pick one of the
two dreams to sketch and explain. Show what objects were in the dream (black bull,
water well) and what each object represents. OR sketch and explain the symbolism of the
candle, bridle, and arm. Use a different sheet of paper for this.

Chapter 13: Sir Percival

Sir Lamorak: Son of Pellinore of Wales
Brother of Percival and Dindrane
Sir Percival: Son of Pellinore of Wales, Brother of Lamorak and Dindran
53
Chapter 13: Vocabulary Focus--valor, generation, copse

1. He said that two brothers would come who will have no equal in valor and good
living...
What is the best meaning from the dictionary?

2. Years went by and the lads who were young with Arthur grew into men around him, and
the first generation of knights, among them Sir Lamorak, established order and ruled
Britain. The next generation of knights found a different kind of world facing them...
How many entries are there for generation?

3. On his way Sir Percival was crossing a deep valley at midday, when a party of twenty
horsemen came cantering out of a thicket of trees towards him and shouted a
challenge.... He crawled out from under his dead horse just in time to see the red
knight chasing the robbers back into the copse.
Where did the horsemen come from?
Where did they go when they were chased back into the copse?
What does copse mean?


1. What does the second generation of knights believe in?

2. What is remarkable about Percival; what unusual things happen to him?

3. Retell the main events of Percivals ride on the enchanted horse.

4. What causes the beautiful woman on the ship to disappear?

Chapter 14: The Death of Dindrane

Sir Bors: Nephew of Lancelot
Dindrane: Daughter of King Pellinore of Wales
Sister of Percival and Lamorak
54
Chapter 14: Vocabulary Focus--custom, truce, threshold

1. By the Holy Cross, you shall not escape me before you have yielded to the custom of the
castle. Sir, any maid who passes by must fill this dish with blood from her right arm.
Which of these meanings fits this sentence?
__ a habit or usual thing to do (n)
__ something that has been done for a long time (n)
__ taxes collected by a government (n)
__ made to order (adj)

2. The castle knights attacked them, and a battle began which raged until dark. A truce
was called. The people of the castle offered shelter in the castle for the night... and safe
exit the next morning.
Did the battle continue after the truce was called?
Will the battle continue?
What is a truce?

3. With that the door opened, and out came a brilliant clearness... Sir Lancelot rose and
would have entered but a voice forbade him. He knelt down at the threshold.
Is Lancelot inside the room?
If he is at the door but not inside the room, what is the threshold?


1. Who are the three white bulls and who will be the only one to return from the Quest?

2. Who is Dindrane and what is her purpose?

3. Explain the custom of the castle.

4. What becomes of Dindrane?

5. What are some of the adventures Lancelot and Galahad share while on the barge with
Dindrane?

6. Describe what happens to Lancelot at the door of the Holy Grail.

55
Chapter 15: The Achievement of the Grail


Chapter 15: Vocabulary Focus - achievement, anniversary

1. This is the story of the final achievement of the Grail that Sir Bors told the King on his
return from Sarras.
Achieve means to do what you set out to do.
What would achievement of the Holy Grail mean?

2. On the first anniversary of the day Sir Galahad became king, the knights as usual went
early to their prayers...
How long has Galahad been king?
Is an anniversary related to something that already happened?
What is an anniversary?


1. Who is present when the Grail appears?

2. Why will the Grail depart Britain never more to be seen?

3. What motivates the lord of the castle to imprison the three knights?

4. In words or pictures, explain the departure of the Hallows into heaven.

5. What becomes of Sir Bors and Percival?

56
Activities for Part III: The Quest of the Grail

Vocabulary Review Chapters 9 - 15. Match each word to best definition.

1. relieved __ a utensil for holding things
2. inscription __ an annual event, one occurring yearly
3. vessel __ something done to make up for injury or loss
4. traitor __ gathered together
5. scandal __ free from worry
6. vigil __ evening before a religious celebration
7. assembled __ a loud burst of noise, especially the ringing of bells
8. cherished __ to think about something
9. peal __ a promise or pledge
10. vow __ the reason for doing something
11. motive __ loved dearly
12. disentangle __ bravery, courage
13. amends __ an engraved message
14. ponder __ a thicket of trees
15. proper __ something accomplished successfully, especially by effort
16. valor __ someone who betrays
17. generation __ something that shocks or shames people
18. copse __ correct or suitable
19. achievement __ to straighten out
20. anniversary __ the average time between birth of parents and their children
57

Part III: Related Activities: The Quest of the Grail

Unfortunately, no journals describing the Quest for the Holy Grail have been found. Your job is
to create a photo journal to tell the story of one knights Quest. Your journal must have:

A cover and binding

An introduction

A map of the Quest

Pick five of the most important events from your Quest.

Make a sketch and write a paragraph to describe each.

Think like a Knight of the Round Table!
58

KING ARTHUR
AND
THE ROUND TABLE

Part IV: The End of The Round Table

Student name _________________________

59
Chapter 16: Sir Lancelot and the Lily Maid of Astolat

Sir Bernard: Lord of the Castle of Astolat
Father of Torre, Lavaine, and Elaine
Elaine: Maid of Astolat, daughter of Bernard
Sister of Sir Torre and Sir Lavaine
Sir Lavaine: Son of Bernard of Astolat
Brother of Torre and Elaine (maid of Astolat)

Chapter 16: Vocabulary Focus--lodged, doom, gravely


1. The tournament was to be in Winchester. The court was in London, so they all rode... to
Surrey and Hampshire. On the way, they lodged at Astolat.
How many entries are there for lodge?

2. Elaine lifted up her eyes and loved him deeply, a love that was her doom because
Lancelots true love, his one and only love, was always the Queen.
Will Lancelot ever love Elaine?
Will Elaines love for Lancelot bring her happiness?
What is the best meaning for doom?

3. Sir Lancelot had never run away from difficulties in his life. He did not now. What do
you want me to do?, he asked gravely.
Is there a feeling of silliness at this time?
Is there a feeling of seriousness?
What does gravely mean?


1. Why does Lancelot fight in disguise for one of the visiting joust teams?

2. What causes the doom of Elaine, Lily Maid of Astolat?

3. Figurative language allows the author to make a comparison between two things. When
like or as is used in the comparison, it is called a simile. On pages 161-162, Lancelot
uses a simile to compare the group of knights.
To what does he compare the knights?

What do you think this means?
60
How does he separate this group of knights?

How would this apply in the simile?

4. What is Elaines goal and what problem does this create for her?

What is her solution and does it help her get her goal? Explain.

Chapter 17: The Queen and the Poisoned Apple

Sir Mador: Cousin of Sir Patrise

Chapter 17: Vocabulary Focus--prowling, idle, quarrels

1. A new generation of invaders was prowling the coast.
How many entries are there for prowl?

2. The knights were in low spirits, and idle quarrels became too important.
How many entries are there for idle?

How many entries are there for quarrels?

What could happen if idle quarrels become too important?
61

1. How much time has passed since the Round Table was founded?

2. Who attempts to poison Gawaine and why?

3. Figurative language allows the author to make a comparison between two things. When
like or as is used in the comparison, it is called a simile. Find the simile on page 170 that
compares Guenevere to something.

Copy the simile.

What do you think this means?

4. Review the battle between Lancelot and Mador. Make a chain of events beginning with
Sir Mador calling out, Let your champion come forth if he dare. Have at least five links
in your chain.

Chapter 18: Sir Meliagraunce

Sir Meliagraunce: Knight of Round Table

Chapter 18: Vocabulary Focus--reckless, rude, outwitted, etiquette

1. The Queen was beautiful and there were plenty of bad or reckless knights who would
not hesitate to take a chance to kidnap her, if Sir Lancelot was elsewhere...
How many entries are there for reckless?

2. At this rude speech the Queens men fell on Sir Meliagraunce and his men, without
armor and with no hope of success.
Are the Queens men happy with the speech?
Are they upset by the speech?
What are they willing to do?
What is a synonym for rude?

62
3. He meant to be safe inside his castle wall before that happened. Meanwhile the Queen
outwitted him. While the wounded men were being helped onto horses, the Queen had a
word with a young page.... who rode a fast fresh pony.
When the prefix out- is added to a word it can mean: away from, outside, better than, or
more than.
Wit is a root word for the ability to say clever things or the power to think and reason.
What do you think outwitted means?
What do you think her plan will be?

4. It was one of the rules of etiquette that no knight could ride in a cart.
What word makes sense here?
What rules of etiquette should be followed at the dinner table?


1. Review the motivations and actions of Sir Meliagraunce. Give 3-5 specific examples that
show his treachery as a Knight of the Round Table.

2. Review the motivations and actions of Sir Lancelot. Give 3 -5 specific examples that
show his loyalty as a Knight of the Round Table.

63
Chapter 19: The Civil War


Chapter 19: Vocabulary Focus--gnawing, turmoil, banished

1. The King heard them out, with his heart breaking. The Orkney men had beaten him at
last. For years they had been gnawing at the foundations of order, justice, and love by
indifference, violent angers, and lies.
How many entries are there for gnaw?
How are the people of Orkney gnawing away at the foundations of justice and love?

What will happen as a result of this?

2. The country was in turmoil. The war began to take shape as men joined one side or the
other.
Is there peace in the country?
Is there order and safety in the country?
What is another word for turmoil?

3. Here I won most of my honor, and now that I must depart in this manner, I regret that I
ever came here, to be thus shamefully banished, undeserved, and for no good reason.
Is Lancelot going to stay in Britain?
Is he leaving by choice?
Will he be returning?
What is a synonym for banished?


1. What causes the final breakdown of the Round Table?

2. Explain how jealousy is a strong motivation for the Orkney clan.

3. What is the accusation against Lancelot and Guenevere? What do Mordred and Gawaine
demand for their punishment?

4. Why doesnt Lancelot strike back at Arthur during the battle?

64
5. The Pope tells Arthur to take his wife back and make peace with Lancelot. What decision
does Arthur make regarding Guenevere and Lancelot?

6. When Arthur and Lancelot meet for the last time, they remember the great things they
have accomplished. They know they are better than their enemies. Explain this.

7. What emotions do you feel as Lancelot says good-bye to Guenevere and the King?

Chapter 20: The Departure of Sir Lancelot


Chapter 20: Vocabulary Focus - ravaging, skirmishes

1. In a few weeks the British force was ravaging Sir Lancelots land.
How many entries are there for ravage?
How could the British ravage the land?

2. For six months the siege went on. Every day Gawaine rode in front of the main gates
and took on a knight in single combat, and he always won. There were skirmishes and
jousts but no serious fighting...
Is a skirmish a full battle?
How many entries are there for skirmish?


1. What is the setting for this chapter?

2. What is Gawaines motivation to refuse the peace offer?

3. How does Lancelot demonstrate his oath of knighthood when he fights Gawaine?

4. What causes the quick departure of Arthur and his army to Britain?
65
Chapter 21: The Last Battle and the Death of Arthur

Sir Bedivere: Knight of Round Table

Chapter 21: Vocabulary Focus--subjection, relic, wrath

1. If that noble knight Sir Lancelot were with you here, this unhappy war would never have
begun, for he, through his nobility, held all your enemies in subjection.
Subject is the root word. How many entries are there for subject?
- tion as a suffix means the act of or the condition of.
What would subjection mean?

2. All the way down, the magic and the worth of Excalibur worked in his mind, until he
desired to possess it for his own. He half desired it for its value and beauty in precious
stones, and half as a relic of the King.
Is the value as a relic because of precious stones?
Is the value as a relic because it belonged to Arthur?
What is a relic?

3. Then the King raised up in majesty and wrath flashed in his eyes. Ah, traitor and
untrue, now you have betrayed me twice.
Is there a look of joy in Arthurs eyes?
Is there a look of anger?
What words make you think that Arthur is angry?


1. In Arthurs dream, Gawaine tells him to make peace with Mordred. So Arthur offers
peace. What will Mordred get from the peace treaty?

2. Why doesnt the peace treaty take effect?

3. How does Arthur know that Excalibur has been tossed into the water?

4. Where is Arthur going to heal his wounds? When might Arthur return?

5. What is written on the tomb near Glastonbury?

66
Chapter 22: The Death of Guenevere and of Sir Lancelot


Chapter 22: Vocabulary Focus--destiny

1. The last battle had been fought, and all the ruling knights and lords of Britain had been
killed. The King had vanished on his unknown destiny, and Britain had no ruler, no
court, and no government..
How many entries are there for destiny?


1. Why does Guenevere tell Lancelot to leave and never come back again?

2. What is Lancelots decision?

3. How does Lancelot react to Gueneveres death?

4. What tributes does Sir Ector pay to Lancelot upon his death?
67
Activities for Part IV: The End of the Round Table

Vocabulary Review Chapters 16 - 22. Match each word to best definition.

1. lodge __ seriously
2. doom __ an argument or disagreement
3. gravely __ to get the better of someone by being clever
4. prowling __ biting at something a bit at a time
5. idle __ short battles
6. quarrel __ great anger
7. reckless __ to pay to stay someplace
8. rude __ sneaking about
9. outwitted __ careless, seeking danger
10. etiquette __ the practice of good manners, a code of good manners
11. turmoil __ exiled or made to leave against your wishes
12. gnawing __ under the power of another
13. banished __ fate
14. ravaging __ a bad or tragic fate
15. skirmishes __ not busy, inactive
16. subjection __ unkind, not polite behavior
17. relic __ a state of confusion or disorder
18. wrath __ ruining or destroying
19. destiny __ something valued for its memory from the past

Part IV: Related Activities: The End of the Roundtable

Write an ode to one of the characters in King Arthur. An ode is a piece of poetry or prose
praising someone or something and showing great feeling and respect.

Write a biopoem of at least ten lines about your favorite character.

Pick one of the themes from King Arthur (loyalty, honor, friendship, valor) and make a word
map. Write an expanded paragraph and give specific examples to explain the theme.

Write a different last chapter of the book, imitating the style of the author.
68
King Arthur and The Round Table
Culminating Activities

Suggested culminating activities include: Role-play of fealty oath and dubbing of a knight;
Round Table reenactments showing knights renewing their oath; medieval banquet or medieval
trade faire that highlight oath and dubbing as part of the event.

1. Fealty oath or Kiss of Peace can be found in Pearson History book on page 59. Roles
include King Arthur, vassal taking his oath of homage, and the Bishop.

2. Knighting Ceremony. Roles include: King Arthur, Queen Guenevere, Bishop, Squire
who is knighted. King, Queen, Bishop stand at the altar; guards are off to the side. The
squire kneels on a pillow in front of the altar. King reads vow and squire repeats after
him.. I vow to be brave and honorable; to maintain the right; to redress the wrong; to
protect women; to give help to those in trouble; to show mercy to the weak and
defenseless, so help me God. King takes sword and touches each shoulder and says: In
the name of St. Michael and St. George, I dub thee Knight, Sir _____. Bishop blesses the
new knight. Queen gives golden spur to the knight and says, We give you your golden
spurs, a symbol of courage and honor. Be brave. Please carry my colors in todays
tournament. She hands him a scarf. Knight thanks her and says he will be her champion.
Guard raises his sword and everyone shouts Huzzah!.

3. Round Table reenactments: First Seating at the Round Table (refer to Chapter 5) or
Knights of the Round Table renewing their oath each year on Pentecost.

Roles include: King Arthur (welcome guests, introduce Guenevere, explain what Round
Table represents; Guenevere; Archbishop of Canterbury (bless the ceremony, bless the
seats as each knight is seated); Merlin (stand by King, tell knights to rise and pay
homage, explain the Siege Perilous); Knights of the Round Table (stand together with
Arthur and repeat oath of loyalty with him). We rise now and lift our swords as the
Knights of the Round Table. May these blades work together as a single force to protect
the innocent, defend the weak, and free the oppressed. May the bond of our brotherhood
inspire our service to humanity, and may the deeds of each bring honor to us all.

4. Hold a Middle Ages Trade Faire or Banquet that allows students to create an authentic
character to play. Include the knighting ceremony as part of your culminating event.
(See http://www.coreknowledge.org. 1999 Unit lesson plan - Fourth Grade: Faire Time:
Middle Ages Come to Life by Jennifer England and Judy Bufford.)

69

KING ARTHUR
AND
THE ROUND TABLE

Teacher Answer Guide

70
Answers for Part 1: The Founding of the Round Table

Vocabulary answers will vary depending on the dictionary that students use. Activities are
designed in a scaffolding manner to help students determine meaning from context. For these
reasons, answers for daily vocabulary are not provided.

Chapter 1: The Birth of Arthur: Study Questions

1. Uther lays siege at the Castle of Terrabil near Cornwall on the southwest coast of Britain.
The castle belongs to the Duke of Cornwall.

2. Uther is angry and frustrated that he cannot break into the castle. He has also fallen
in love with Igrane, Duchess of Cornwall.

3. After Uther marries Igraine, he must give his child to Merlin to raise.

4. Uther was heavyhearted but knew he must keep his word to Merlin.

5. Merlin is in disguise so that he wont be recognized. People wont suspect a beggar has
the kings son. The baby will be safe from enemies until he is older.

6. Merlin asks Uther if his son, Arthur, will become king after he dies. He asks this in front
of all the important lords so that they will hear the kings answer. They wont be able to
say Arthur isnt the rightful heir to the kingdom.

Chapter 2: The Sword in the Stone: Study Questions

1. The lords are fighting amongst themselves over who should be king. They rob, steal and
torture those who will not give up their wealth. There is fear and confusion throughout
the land.

2. The stone gripped the naked sword by the point, and on the blade was written in gold
letters: ....The sword is naked because it has no scabbard to protect and cover it. It is
stuck in the stone as if the stone has a hold of it and wont let it go.

3. Arthur goes to the churchyard to get a sword for Sir Kay. He easily pulls it out of the
stone but doesnt realize what it means. When he explains what happened and returns the
sword to the stone, Ector and Kay kneel down before him. Ector explains that Arthur is
not his real son. Many of the other lords are jealous and dont want to have a fifteen year
old rule over them.

4. Even though Arthur is the true king, there will be many problems ahead of him. Enemies
will try to hurt him; there will be times of war and struggle.

5. Major events: Misery in Britain; Kay forgets sword; lords cant pull sword out; Arthur
proves he is rightful king; Arthur is crowned; hard times ahead.
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Chapter 3: The Sword in the Lake: Grammar Activities

1. Imperative, 2. Declarative, 3. Declarative, 4. Exclamatory, 5. Interrogative, 6. Imperative
7. Interrogative, 8. Exclamatory

Chapter 3: Study Questions:

1. Arthur is mad that Merlin put a spell on the black knight who had fought bravely and
fairly. He doesnt think it is honorable.

2. The black knight is named Pellinore who will be the father of Lamorak and Percival.

3. The evil prophecy states that Arthurs nephew (the son of his sister) will cause the
destruction of the kingdom. But Arthur doesnt pay any attention to it.

4. Student sketch should show an arm rising out of the water. It is holding a sword in its
hand. There is also a boat with a lady in it moving across the water.

5. Arthur doesnt have a sword so he asks the Lady of the Lake to give him the one in the
hand. In exchange Arthur must give her a gift when she asks for it.

6. Arthur rows out to the arm. When Arthur touches the hilt, the hand releases the sword to
Arthur. Then the hand sinks back into the water and the Lady disappears.

7. Excalibur is a magnificent sword covered with jewels. On one side of the blade, Take
me is carved into it. The other side says, Cast me away.

Chapter 4: Sir Balin and the Hallows: Study Questions

1. The Hallows are holy objects that appear to people. The Holy Grail is the cup that Jesus
drank from at the Last Supper. It was also used to catch the blood from his side when he
was on the Cross. The lance is the one that pierced his side on the Cross.

2. Student sketch should include: Holy Grail and lance; flames coming from the point of the
lance; angels around the holy objects.

3. Sir Pelles is the keeper of the Hallows and they are kept in his castle at Carbonek.

4. Garlon has the power to become invisible. He is a wicked man who uses the power to
fight unfairly. He breaks the Code of Chivalry which says a knight must do no evil deed.

5. Garlon killed an innocent knight under Balins protection. So Balin goes to the Castle at
Carbonek to get revenge. Even though he knows Carbonek is the home of the Hallows,
he goes there to kill Garlon. In the fight, Garlon is killed and Balin loses his sword.
Pelles, the brother of Garlon, tries to kill Balin.
6. Balin grabs the lance from the Hallows and stabs Pelles in the thigh. There is a big
thunderclap and the roof and walls come crashing down. Pelles and Balin are trapped.

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7. Merlin explains that Balin will suffer because he has used the lance, a heavenly object,
for an earthly purpose. As a result, Pelles has been wounded, the castle has been
destroyed, and there will be death and destruction across the kingdom.

8. Because Balin carries a shield without his own device, no one knows who he is. When he
fights another knight, he doesnt recognize the device carried by him. It is his brother,
Balan (who is also carrying a shield without his own device). So the two brothers
mortally wound each other before they realize what has happened.

9. The proverb, Two wrongs dont make a right, means you cant correct one wrong thing
by doing something else that is wrong. Balin wants to kill Garlon because Garlon killed a
knight under his protection. They are both wrong. As a result, Balin not only kills Garlon
but wounds Pelles. Then Balin accidentally kills his own brother.

Chapter 5: The Marriage of Arthur: Study Questions

1. He has grown into a tall handsome man with a beard. He is gentle towards good people
and stern towards wrongdoers. He takes care of those in need.

2. The earlier days of misery across the land have changed. All people, rich and poor (in
cottage and castle) have better lives. There is hope and happiness in the kingdom.

3. Arthur has been given the Round Table that once belonged to his father, Uther
Pendragon. It is so big that 150 knights can be seated at it.

4. The Round Table represents the perfect world to Arthur. It will be a place with high
standards of behavior and love for all. Also, since it is round, there is no head or foot of
the table and all the knights can be considered equal.

Chapter 5: Grammar Activities: Nouns

1. Proper noun - Pellinore; common noun - wedding.
2. Proper noun - Sir Lancelot; common noun - tree
3. Proper nouns - King Arthur, Lady Guenevere, St. Stephens, Camelot; common noun -
splendor, cathedral
4. Proper noun - King; common noun - knights
5. Proper noun - Round Table; common nouns - hall, seats

Activities Part I: The Founding of the Round Table

Vocabulary Match: Answers

20, 9, 10, 16, 1, 15, 3, 17, 2, 18, 11, 4, 12, 14, 5, 13, 8, 6, 7, 21, 19.

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Part II: The Round Table in Action

Chapter 6: Sir Lancelot: Study Questions

1. His father is King Ban of Benwick, which is in southwest France. As a child, Lancelot
was stolen by the Lady of the Lake. She raised him in her country under the water.

2. Lancelot is undefeated in battle. On horse or foot, he is the champion knight of the world.
He has sworn himself to serve the Queen all his life.

3. Possible answer: The symbols on the shield are used to identify the owner. Lancelot
leaves his leopard shield for Sir Kay so other knights will think he is Lancelot and leave
him alone. He takes Sir Kays shield knowing that others will attack him and he can have
some fun fighting them. Students should explain if they think this is wise.

4. She knows that a knight must help a woman in need. She wants him to feel obligated to
stop and help her.

5. Descriptions should include: a row of black figures three feel taller than normal men;
grins of triumph on the faces of these figures as another victim approaches; a wall of
upside down shields symbolizing the death of knights and friends. Writing should express
feelings of fear mixed with obligation to help the lady.

6. Chain of events (6-8 links) should include:
Falcon caught in tree; lady calls for help; Lancelot takes off armor; he climbs tree and
frees bird; armed man comes out; breaks branch from tree; knocks mans sword down;
kills him and rides away.
Meets lady outside churchyard; she demands his sword; he refuses; she asks for kiss; he
refuses; her spell is broken; he rides away.

Chapter 7: Sir Tristram: Study Questions

1. His stepmother is jealous that Tristram will inherit the throne when King Melodias dies.
She wants her own son to be heir. When her husband almost drinks the poison, she is
forced to confess her plot to kill Tristram. Tristram begs for her life and she is not burned
at the stake.

2. Tristram shows determination in a number of ways. He excels in languages, arts, and
playing the harp. He invents hunting and hawking calls and writes a book about them. He
is brave and noble.

3. Tristram strikes Sir Marhaus so hard on his helmet that the sword goes through the
helmet and into his skull. A piece of the steel breaks off and stays in his head.

4. Tristram becomes friends with King Mark and the Queen. He conceals his name because
he realizes that Sir Marhaus was a knight of King Mark and the brother of the Queen.

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5. One day when Tristram is bathing, the Queen sees his sword lying on his bed. She notices
that a piece of the sword is missing. She goes to her room and gets the piece of steel
taken from her brothers head. It matches the piece missing in the sword. She tries to kill
him.

6. King Mark is jealous of Tristram. He hopes that Sir Marhauss relatives will kill Tristram
if he returns to Ireland. King Mark wants to marry Iseult so he wants Tristram out of the
way.

7. The Queen has given a love potion to Iseults lady in waiting. It is to be shared by Iseult
and King Mark on their wedding day and make them fall in love forever. But Tristram
and Iseult drink the potion thinking it is wine.

8. Arthur and the Round Table represent the ideal of knighthood. Those who dont serve the
King are not considered true knights. The fame of the Round Table spreads throughout
Britain.

Chapter 8: The End of Merlin: Study Questions

Action Effect

Merlin falls in love with Vivien She flatters him; he is too proud and foolish;
Tells her any magic secrets she wants to know

Merlin swears magicians oath promises never to use magic on Vivien

Sees vision of what will happen is angry; cannot prevent what will happen

Takes Vivien to cave She uses her spell to trap him forever in earth

2. Explain the proverb, The bigger they are, the harder they fall, as it relates to Merlin.

Merlin is famous as the wise advisor to King Arthur. In his old age, he falls in love with
Vivien who flatters him. He tells her magic secrets and promises never to use magic
against her. He is unable to prevent his own destruction. Because Merlin was so proud
and foolish, he was able to be tricked. When he fell, he fell hard.

3. Whenever the earth shakes or fire and water burst forth from the earth, it is Merlin
groaning. He is trying to find some happiness from deep inside the earth.

Activities Part II: The Round Table in Action

Vocabulary Match: Answers

12, 9, 8, 10, 13, 7, 3, 14, 4, 6, 5, 11, 1.

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Answers for Part III: The Quest of the Grail

Chapter 9: The Birth of Galahad: Study Questions

1. He tells Arthur that the person who will sit in the Siege Perilous will be born that year.
He will also be the one who will win the Holy Grail.

2. The villagers call Lancelot the first among knights and request his help for a lady in need.
They tell him they know he can rescue the unhappy lady. I think he was obligated to help
because of his oath of knighthood. He has promised to help any woman in need and to
give mercy to anyone who asks. Lancelot is true to his word.

3. Leopard of Kings blood= Lancelot
Slay the dragon = Lancelot
Father a son = Lancelot
Surpass all other knights = Lancelots son, Galahad

4. When Lancelot returns to Carbonek, there is great admiration and love for him. The
people crowd in to see the best knight in Christendom. He is kind and courteous to
everyone. Every man is willing to die for him and every woman is in love with him. It is
a time of calmness and love at Carbonek which makes it right for the Holy Grail to
appear.

5. Lancelot is ashamed that he married Elaine. He feels that his strength came from being
true to his vows of service to the King and Queen. Now he has lost both his love and
strength by breaking his vows.

6. She becomes enraged and calls him a traitor and a false knight. This is devastating to
Lancelot who feels that he has lost his self-respect and honor.

7. Blow hot and cold means to be temperamental or change moods drastically. Initially
everyone including Guenevere loves and admires Lancelot. He is considered the greatest
knight. After he is tricked into marrying Elaine, Guenevere is angry and listens to the
gossip. She calls him a traitor banishes him from court. It is the opposite of how she has
treated him before.

Chapter 10: The Coming of Galahad: Study Questions

1. Lancelot is suspicious because he has been tricked by other ladies who ask for his help.
He isnt sure if there will be enchantment involved.

2. Lancelot realizes how proud he is of his son, Galahad. He feels that all of the heartache
and pain he suffered earlier is worth it. He is filled with love and joy when Galahad is
knighted.

3. While the knights are seated at the Round Table, golden letters appear around the Siege
Perilous. The letters say that the seat is to be filled. This is exciting because the seat has
always been empty.
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4. Lancelot knows the sword is not for him even though he is considered the greatest knight.
He tells Arthur that some great thing will happen. He thinks his son, Galahad, may be the
one to sit in Siege Perilous and remove the sword from the floating marble block.

5. After Gawaine fails to pull the sword out of the stone, he is humiliated. Because Arthur
knows that his nephew is very proud, he tells Percival to try. It is his attempt to help
Gawaine save face.

6. After they return to the feast, there is a sudden clap of thunder and all the doors and
windows close. Everyone is frightened but Arthur reassures them that greater things are
going to happen.

7. There are several clues that show Galahad is the knight that has no equal. First he
appears with the hermit who tells Arthur that he is the one by whom the marvels of court
will be accomplished. He is seated in Siege Perilous. His name appears and nothing
happens to him when he sits down. He has an empty scabbard when he arrives and knows
that the sword of Balin, the Savage, is floating in the marble rock. He tells stories about
things that happened before he was born.

Chapter 11: How the Quest Began, Study Questions

1. Descriptions that appeal to five senses:
Sight: shadows creep from oaks across meadows; beam of light seven times stronger;
white silk cover. Sound: terrific peal of thunder; sat stone still. Smell: beautiful smell of
food and drink.

2. Gawaine is mad that he didnt get to see the Holy Grail because it is covered with silk.
He vows to search the land for a year and a day and never return until he has seen the cup
uncovered. Student responses will vary as to whether this was wise or not.

3. Arthur knows he is getting older and so are his knights. He fears that when they leave on
the Quest for the Holy Grail, evil will take over again. There will be no new knights to
fight for right and justice. Many of the Knights of the Round Table will die.

4. Gawaine is the son of Arthurs sister, Morgause. Because the other knights have taken the
same vow as Gawaine to search for the Holy Grail, the Round Table will fall apart.
Gawaine has caused the destruction of the kingdom.

5. Student responses will vary. They should include feelings of sadness and fear of what
will happen. They should reflect on the 20 years of friendship and brotherhood that
Lancelot and Arthur have shared.

Chapter 12: Sir Gawaine on the Quest: Study Questions

1. When Gawaine first sets out on his Quest, he is anxious for adventure and danger. Even
though he is impatient and jealous, he is not wicked or mean. By the time he reaches the
abbey, he is depressed and irritated that nothing has happened. He becomes very jealous
of Galahad and is extremely unpleasant to the monks.
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2. The three knights travel together rather than alone as they should. As part of the holy
Quest, they cannot kill anyone unnecessarily. But because they are bored, they kill seven
knights who have done nothing to them. They feel guilty and separate.

3. Student sketches should show symbols from the dream and what each represents in the
knights life.

Chapter 13: Sir Percival: Study Questions

1. The second generation of knights do not have to fight off invaders all of the time. Rather
than having a life patrolling Britain and maintaining order, the new generation of knights
live in peaceful times. They are concerned with thinking and acting in the right way. This
is hard for the older knights to understand.

2. Percival is seated at the Round Table by a lady who is mute but then talks to him. She
falls down dead after he is seated. He has visions and spiritual creatures appear to him.
Sometimes they are good and sometimes they are evil. But Percival is not afraid of
anything. He seems to be more of the heavenly world than earthly world.

3. Percival is given a horse by a woman that he doesnt know. The horse begins running
faster and faster--he covers in one hour what takes four days on a normal horse. Percival
realizes the horse is under enchantment. They are approaching a raging river and Percival
makes the sign of the cross. The horse shrieks and throws Percival off. Then it jumps into
the water and leaves a track of fire.

4. The beautiful woman on the ship calls Percival by name and offers to take him to Sir
Galahad. Percival is so thankful that he has been rescued that he makes the sign of the
cross. Instantly she turned into a swirling, black cloud. She falls into the water leaving a
trail of fire.

Chapter 14: The Death of Dindrane: Study Questions

1. The three white bulls from Gawaines dream represent Sir Bors, Sir Percival, and Sir
Galahad. The only one who will return from the Quest will be Sir Bors.

2. Dindrane is the daughter of Sir Pellinore of Wales. Her brothers are Percival and
Lamorak. She is also called Blanchefleur. She will be the guide for Galahad, Percival,
and Bors on their Quest for Holy Grail.

3. The custom of the castle applies to any unmarried maiden. In order to heal the woman of
the castle who has been ill a long time, the blood of a kings daughter is needed. It
requires the lady to fill a silver dish with blood from her right arm. The blood will be
used to anoint the woman.

4. Dindrane decides to give her blood if it will heal the woman. Weak and near death, she
asks her brother to put her on a drifting boat. When the three knights get to Sarras to find
the Grail, she will be there waiting. They are to bury her there where Galahad will also be
buried. When Dindrane dies, the lady of the castle is healed.

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5. Lancelot and Galahad remain on the barge watching over Dindranes body for six
months. They spend time talking and enjoying each others company. Sometimes they go
to strange islands and have dangerous encounters with beasts and wild men.

6. Lancelot arrives at a castle where only one door is shut. He knows the Holy Grail is on
the other side of the door. He asks God to let him see what is on the other side. The door
opens and there is a tremendous brightness coming out. Lancelot is forbidden to enter the
room so he kneels down at the threshold. He sees the Grail covered in red silk, a red rose,
and angels. There is an old priest who begins to fall. Lancelot immediately crosses the
threshold to help him. But a fiery blast pushes him back; he is blind, deaf, and paralyzed.

Chapter 15: The Achievement of the Grail: Study Questions

1. Galahad, Bors, and Percival go to Carbonek where they are joined by three knights from
Gaul, three from Ireland, and three from Denmark. Beside the Holy Grail is an old man
who talks to Galahad. He tells Galahad to take the holy vessel with him that night to
Sarras. It will soon disappear and never be seen again.

2. The Grail will depart Britain forever because of the evil lives of the people.

3. The lord of the castle fears that his power will be lost so he grabs the three knights and
throws them into a deep hole where they live for one year.

4. The Holy Grail appears on the first anniversary that Galahad became king. The knights
go to pray and find the holy vessel out of the silver chest. The Grail is surrounded by
angels. Galahad kisses Percival and Bors. He asks them to ask Lancelot to remember
him. As he kneels down, his soul is carried by a band of angels into heaven. Then a hand
comes down and takes the Holy Grail and lance to heaven. Galahad dies.

5. Bors and Percival bury Galahad by Dindrane. Percival becomes a monk and Bors remains
with him. Percival dies after a year and two months and is buried by Galahad and
Dindrane. Bors returns to Camelot. He tells Arthur all that has happened on the Quest.

Activities Part III: The Quest of the Grail

Vocabulary Match Answers
3, 20, 13, 7, 1, 6, 9, 14, 10, 11, 8, 16, 2, 18, 19, 4, 5, 15, 12, 17.

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Part IV: The End of the Round Table

Chapter 16: Sir Lancelot and the Lily Maid of Astolat: Study Questions

1. Lancelot jousts anymore because he always wins. When he fights, it discourages young
knights from entering and gives bad knights opportunities for foul play.

2. Lady Elaine has fallen deeply in love with Lancelot even though she knows he is true to
the Queen.

3. In the simile on 161-162, Lancelot is comparing the group of knights to a group of boars
being chased by dogs. He means that they are bunched together for safety and security.
Lancelot charges into the center of the group and begins fighting. He quickly charges
again and gives them no time to regroup. He is able to separate the knights and fight them
as dogs would boars.

4. Elaine is determined to marry Lancelot. She threatens Lancelot if he will not marry her,
that she will die. Her solution is to stop eating, drinking, and sleeping for nine days. On
the tenth day, she asks her father to write down her story; dress her in black and put her
on a barge when she dies; she wants Lancelot to read the letter and bury her.

Chapter 17: The Queen and the Poisoned Apple: Study Questions

1. The Knights have been together for twenty years.

2. The Orkney clan (Gawaine, Gareth, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Mordred) wants to kill Sir
Lamorak. Also at the dinner is Sir Pinel, the cousin of Sir Lamorak (no one knows this
though). Pinel poisons some apples because he knows Gawaine loves fruit, especially
apples and pears. Accidentally, Sir Patrise eats the apple and dies. Pinel remains silent.

3. Guenevere stood like a statue, silent, seeing it was a plot, and thinking it was aimed at her
because Lancelot was not there to protect her. It means that she shows no emotion and is
almost paralyzed unable to move or react. She does not defend herself.

4. Mador calls out for the champion to come forth; Lancelot carrying an unknown shield
comes riding out from the woods; Lancelot claims right to be champion; Mador falls
down and they fight on foot; Lancelot strikes him down and unlaces his helmet; Mador
begs for his life.

Chapter 18: Sir Meliagraunce: Study Questions

1. Examples of Sir Meliagraunces tracheary as a Knight of the Round Table:
He is a coward. He kidnaps the Queen when Lancelot is not around. He begs the Queen
to save him when Lancelot arrives to fight. He agrees to fight in eight days but traps
Lancelot in a deep cellar instead. He tells everyone he doesnt know where Lancelot is.
When they meet in battle, he refuses to fight and begs Lancelot not to kill him. He
accepts the offer for Lancelot to fight without a helmet, with no armor on left side and his
left arm tied behind him.
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2. Lancelot shows great loyalty as a Knight of the Round Table. When he sees the Queens
ring, he immediately gets his armor, horse, and leaves alone. He takes dangerous routes
to reach the Queen as quickly as possible. After his horse is shot down in an ambush, he
walks in armor. He rides in the cart (even though knights are not supposed to) so he can
reach the Queen sooner. He does not kill Meliagraunce when Guenevere asks him not to
do it. He offers to fight Meliagraunce with no armor on his left side and his left arm tied
behind him; he will also fight without a helmet.

Chapter 19: The Civil War: Study Questions

1. After thirty years, the Round Table breaks apart with war between Lancelot and Arthur.

2. The Orkney clan (sons of Arthurs sister, Morgause) want power. They are determined to
bring the Queen and Lancelot down. The Orkney clan is made up of Gawaine, Geharis,
Gareth, Agravaine, and Mordred They are jealous of Lancelot and all that he represents.

3. They accuse Lancelot of plotting with the Queen to make himself King. They demand
that Queen Guenevere be burned at the stake and Lancelot be exiled.

4. In battle, Lancelot will not strike the King. Instead he stops Bors from killing him. He
asks Arthur to end the fighting and remember the good that he has done.

5. The Orkneys threaten civil war if the King forgives Lancelot. So they agree to take back
Guenevere and give safe conduct to Lancelot (but not forgive him).

6. They have been part of the brotherhood of knights who fought off invaders; saw the Holy
Grail; brought peace to Britain. They are better than those who tricked them into war.

7. Student responses will vary. Emotions would include sadness, loss, fear, suffering. Both
men are proud and admire the strength and virtues of the other. They grieve
for the end of their friendship.

Chapter 20: The Departure of Sir Lancelot: Study Questions

1. Sir Lancelot has gone back to Benwick (Bayonne), France. He and his men are at his
castle now called Dolorous Gard.

2. An offer of peace is sent to King Arthur by a damsel and a dwarf. Gawaine is given
permission by the King to accept or deny the offer. He rejects the offer. His motivation is
probably jealousy and anger at Lancelot.

3. Lancelot refuses to fight Gawaine when he is down and helpless. Gawaine swears that he
will come back to get Lancelot. They fight and Lancelot wins. Gawaines revenge is so
strong that he will fight Lancelot again when his wounds heal.
4. Mordred has told everyone at court that both Arthur and Lancelot are dead. He has
declared himself king and is trying to force Guenevere to marry him.

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Chapter 21: The Last Battle and the Death of Arthur: Study Questions

1. Mordred agrees to the peace treaty if he gets control of Cornwall and Kent right away. He
will also be heir to the throne when Arthur dies.

2. Both sides are suspicious of each other. They give orders to strike the other side if any
sword is drawn. While they are waiting after the treaty has been signed, a snake bites a
knight in the foot. He raises his sword to kill the snake. Both sides think they are being
attacked and begin fighting.

3. Arthur asks Sir Bedivere to throw Excalibur into the water and then tell him what
happened. He knows the sword has not been thrown in the first two times. But on the
third time, Bedivere reports that a hand rose from the water, grabbed the sword and
pulled it under water. Arthur then knows that Excalibur is gone.

4. Arthur is put on a barge that holds many figures dressed in black. He is going to the
island of Avalon to heal his wounds. Some believe that Arthur is alive on Avalon. He
will return to Britain when he is most needed. Then he will restore peace and justice for
the people.

5. There is an unmarked tomb near Glastonbury that has a prophecy carved into the wood. It
says, Here lies Arthur, King that was and King that will be.

Chapter 22: The Death of Guenevere and Sir Lancelot: Study Questions

1. Guenevere believes that she and Lancelot have caused the death of Arthur and many
other knights. She asks him to go to his own kingdom and never come back again. She
cannot stand the pain of seeing him.

2. Arthur decides to join a religious order like Guenevere has done. He chooses to live as a
hermit in the hermitage with Sir Bedivere.

3. Lancelot only lives for six weeks after Gueneveres death. He does not eat, drink or sleep.
He spends all of his time at her tomb.

4. Ector calls Lancelot the greatest of all knights. He says he was the most courteous
and truest friend. He was the kindest and gentlest man to those who were good and the
sternest knight to his enemies.

Activities Part IV: The End of the Round Table

Vocabulary Match Answers
3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17.
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King Arthur Appendix

Important Sites

Whos Who in King Arthur

Word Map

Map of Arthurs Britain

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Important Sites

Benwick: SW France (home of Lancelot)

Britain: England, Scotland, Wales (name given by Romans)

Caerleon: City in Wales

Camelot: City in center of Southern England
Castle of King Arthur

Cameliard: Castle of King Leodegrance

Carbonek: Small town on coast of Southern Wales
Castle with Hallows

Cornwall: Area in SW England

Glastonbury: Tomb of Guenevere and possibly Arthur

Logres: England, Scotland, Wales (name given by local people)

Lyonesse: Island between Cornwall and France that now lies under sea

Orkney: Islands north of Scotland

Sarras: City where Holy Grail is found

Stonehenge: Prehistoric circle of stones in Salisbury, England

Tintagel: Castle on coast of Southwestern England

Terrabil: Castle in Cornwall

Winchester: Another name for Camelot
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Whos Who In King Arthur

Sir Agravaine: Son of Queen Morgause and King Lot of Orkney
Brother of Gawaine, Geharis, Gareth; half-brother of Mordred
Knight of the Round Table
Joined with Mordred against Lancelot and Guenevere
Killed by Lancelot

King Anguish: King of Ireland
Father of Iseult
Wifes brother is Sir Marhaus

King Arthur: Son of Uther Pendragon and Igraine
Half- brother of Morgause of Orkney and Morgan Le Fay
King of Logres
Husband of Guenevere
Founded Knights of the Round Table
Mortally wounded by Mordred

Sir Balan: Brother of Balin, the Savage
Tricked into fighting and killing Balin

Sir Balin, the Savage: Brother of Balan
Kills Sir Garlon to avenge death of another knight
Fights Pelles and stabs him with holy lance
Tricked into fighting and killing Balan
Sword is put into red marble block until worthy man comes

Sir Bevidere: Knight of the Round Table
Returns Excalibur to water
Puts wounded Arthur on barge for Avalon

Bernard: Lord of the Castle of Astolat
Father of Torre, Lavaine, and Elaine

Sir Bors: Nephew of Lancelot
Quest for Holy Grail with Galahad and Percival

Duke of Cornwall: First husband of Igraine
Castles at Tintagel and Terrabil
Killed by Arthurs men

Dindrane: Daughter of King Pellinore of Wales
Sister of Percival and Lamorak
Guides Galahad, Percival, and Bors on Quest for Holy Grail
85
Sir Ector (1): Father of Sir Kay, Foster-father of Arthur

Sir Ector (2): Brother of Lancelot

Lady Elaine: Daughter of Lord Pelles of Carbonek, Keeper of the Hallows
Niece of Sir Garlon (power to be invisible)
Puts spell on Lancelot and marries him
Mother of Galahad

Elaine: Maid of Astolat, daughter of Bernard
Sister of Sir Torre and Sir Lavaine
Nurses Lancelot to health
Dies of unrequited love for Lancelot

Lady Elizabeth: Wife of King Melodias of Lyonesse
Mother of Tristram
Sister of King Mark of Cornwall

Sir Gaheris: Son of Queen Morgause and King Lot of Orkney
Brother of Agravaine, Gawaine, Gareth; half-brother of Mordred

Sir Galahad: Son of Lancelot and Elaine
Raised by Lady of the Lake and Nuns
Perfect Knight of the Round Table; Siege Perilous
Quest for Holy Grail

Sir Gareth: Son of Queen Morgause and King Lot of Orkney
Brother of Agravaine, Gawaine, Gaheris; half-brother of Mordred

Sir Garlon: Brother of Lord Pelles of Carbonek
Uncle of Elaine
Power of invisibilitykilled by Balin the Savage

Sir Gawaine: Son of Queen Morgause and King Lot of Orkney
Brother of Agravaine, Gaheris, Gareth; half-brother of Mordred
Avenged fathers death by killing Pellinore
Accuses Lancelot and Guenevere of plotting against Arthur
Killed by Lancelot

Queen Guenevere: Daughter of King Leodegrance of Cameliard
W ife of King Arthur
Sentenced to death but sent to nunnery instead by Arthur
86
Igraine: Duchess of Cornwall
Mother of Morgause and Morgan Le Fay by 1st husband
W ife of Uther Pendragon
Mother of Arthur

Iseult: Daughter of King Anguish of Ireland
Skilled surgeon who heals Tristram
Wife of King Mark of Cornwall

Sir Kay: Son of Sir Ector
Fos ter brother to Arthur
Knight of Round Table
Comes to Camelot to serve Arthur

Lady of the Lake: Unknown family; her country lies under the lake
Gave Arthur Excalibur
Raised Lancelot du Lac
Mysterious, magical lake fairy

Sir Lamorak: Son of Pellinore of Wales
Brother of Percival and Dindrane

Sir Lancelot: Son of King Ban of Benwick (SW France)
Stolen and raised by Lady of the Lake
Cha mpion of Guenevere
Husband of Lady Elaine
Father of Galahad
Exiled to France by Arthur
Returns to Logres before Arthur dies

Sir Lavaine: Son of Bernard of Astolat
Brother of Torre and Elaine (maid of Astolat)
Accom panies Lancelot on quests

King Leodegrance King of Cameliard
Father of Guevenere

King Lot: King of Orkney
Husband of Morgause
Father of Agravaine, Gawaine, Geharis, Gareth
Killed by Pellinore

Sir Mador: Cousin of Sir Patrise
Accuses Queen of poisoned apple

Sir Marhaus: Brother of Queen of Ireland, Uncle of Iseult
Sent by King Anguish to collect tribute from Cornwall
Killed by Tristram (piece of sword left in skull)
87
King Mark: King of Cornwall
Brother of Elizabeth, Queen of Lyonesse
Uncle of Tristram
Husband of Iseult

Sir Meliagraunce: Kidnapped Guenevere
Trapped Lancelot

King Melodias: King of Lyonesse
Husband of Elizabeth
Father of Tristram

Merlin: Grandson of Conaan, Welsh chieftain
Advisor to Uther Pendragon and King Arthur
Took Arthur to Sir Ector
Falls in love with Vivien
Trapped forever in a cave
Mysterious sorcerer and prophetcast spells, see future

Sir Mordred: Son of Morgause
Half-brother to Agravaine, Gawaine, Geharis, Gareth
Nephew to King Arthur
Plots to make trouble for Arthur and Lancelot
Fights Arthur in last battle; killed by Arthur

Morgan Le Fay: Daughter of Duke of Cornwall and Igraine
Sister of Morgause, half-sister to Arthur
Healer; able to cast spells, change shape
Put spell on Elaine (scalding water)

Queen Morgause: Daughter of Duke of Cornwall and Igraine
Sister of Morgan Le Fay, half-sister to Arthur
Wife of King Lot of Orkney
Mother of Agravaine, Gawaine, Geharis, Gareth, Mordred

Sir Palomides: Islamic warrior from Syria, Saracen
In love with Iseult
Fights in tournament against Tristram

Sir Patrise: Cousin of Sir Mador
Eats poisoned apple and dies

Lord Pelles: Ruler of Carbonek, Keeper of the Hallows
Father of Elaine
Brother of Sir Garlon (invisible)
Wounded by Sir Balin (holy lance)

88
Sir Pellinore: Wales
Father of Percival, Lamorak, Dindrane
Fought Arthur before becoming Knight of Round Table
Kills King Lot of Orkney
Killed by Gawaine in revenge for killing his father King Lot

Sir Percival: Son of Pellinore of Wales
Brother of Lamorak and Dindrane
Quest for Holy Grail
Retires in hermitage and becomes monk

Uther Pendragon: King of Logres
Husband of Igraine
Father of Arthur

Sir Tristram: Son of Melodias, King of Lyonesse and Elizabeth
Nephew of King Mark of Cornwall
In love with Iseult
Fights Lancelot
Saves Sir Palomides, the Saracen

Sir Uwaine Avoutre: Knight of the Round Table

Vivien: Young lady sorceress
Raised by Lady of the Lake
Enchants Merlin and traps him in cave forever
89
90
91
Bibliography

Vocabulary Resources
Beck, Isabel L. & Margaret G. McKeown, Linda Kucan. Bringing Words to Life. New York, NY: Guilford
Press, 2002. ISBN: 1-57230-753-6

Stahl, Stephen A. Vocabulary Development. Brookline, MA: P A Hutchinson Co., 1999.
ISBN: 1-57129-072-9

Reading Activity Resources
Ludwig, Susan. 24 Ready to Go Genre Book Reports. New York, NY: Scholastic, 2002. ISBN:
0-439-23469-7

Witherell, Nancy & Mary McMackin. Graphic Organizers and Activities for Differentiated Instruction in Reading.
New York: NY: Scholastic, 2002. ISBN: 0-439-33165-X

History & Geography
Hirsch, Jr. E. D., ed. Pearson Learning Core Knowledge History & Geography, 4th Grade. USA: Pearson Learning
Group, 2002. ISBN: 0-7690-5025-5

Knighthood
Chorzempa, Rosemary A. Design Your Own Coat of Arms: An Introduction to Heraldry. NY: Dover Publications
Inc., 1987. ISBN: 0-486-24993-x

Christendom, Simulation of Medieval European Society, 6001300. Fort Akinson, WI: Interact, N.D.
E-mail: [email protected]. Item no. 40502

Rastetter, Cheryl, Project Manager. Travels with a Troubadour: A Journey Through the Middle Ages. USA: Demco,
Inc., 1996. ISBN: 1-885360-12-6

Myths and Legends
Hadfield, Alice M. King Arthur and the Round Table. Charlottesville, VA: Core Knowledge Foundation, 2004.
ISBN: 1-890517-35-6

Talbott, Hudson. King Arthur and the Round Table. NY: William Morrow & Co., Inc., 1995. ISBN: 0440-41291-9

Internet Sites
http://www.legends.dm.net/kingarthur/
http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/cphome.stm
http://www.kingarthursknights.com/
http://family-tree.hypermart.net/king_arthur.htm
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/gildas-full.html
http://www.mun.ca/mst/heroicage/issues/1/halac.htm
http://www.britannia.com/history/biographies/ambros.html
http://www.uidaho.edu/student_orgs/arthurian_legend/origins/arthur.html
http://www.bartleby.com/211/1206.html
http://www.coreknowledge.org. 1999 Unit lesson plan (Fourth Grade: Faire Time: Middle Ages Come to Life by
Jennifer England and Judy Bufford).

Audio and Video Resources
Core Knowledge Music Collection, Grades 3, 4, and 5. Charlottesville, VA: Core Knowledge Foundation. ISBN: 1-
890517-67-4. (Gregorian Chant, Greensleeves, Marriage of Robin Hood).

The History Channel. Quest for King Arthur. DVD, A&E Television Networks, 2004. Catalog # AAE-71425.

The Learning Channel. Times Medieval. Discovery Communications, Inc., 1997. ISBN: 1-56331-663-3

Warner Bros., Knights of the Round Table (1953 version) . DVD, AOL Time Warner Co., 2003.

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