17 Table of Contents Discover the Legend: Knightly Treasures from the Round Table HeroesHistory Of Knights Of The Round TableWho Were The Knights Of The Round TableFrequently Asked Questions The Knights of the Round Table, introduced in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s 1136 work, remain cultural icons for their valor, loyalty, and nobility in serving King Arthur. Their enduring tales of adventure, love, and honor continue to captivate audiences, making them a timeless and integral part of our cultural heritage. Discover the Legend: Knightly Treasures from the Round Table Heroes History Of Knights Of The Round Table Overview Of The Knights Of The Round Table by Des Morris licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 The Knights of the Round Table, led by King Arthur in the 5th or 6th century, were legendary warriors known for their strength and chivalry. Pledging to defend Camelot, they undertook quests, battling mythical creatures to bring justice to the land. Their stories, a blend of mystery and legend, have endured through oral tradition and written accounts. The Knights of the Round Table legend, rooted in medieval Arthurian tales, drew inspiration from Welsh Mabinogion, Norse sagas, and chivalric romances. Popularized in works like Sir Thomas Malory’s Morte d’Arthur, the legend has been a recurring theme in literature and art. The Winchester Round Table, linked to King Arthur, symbolizes this enduring narrative. Who Were The Knights Of The Round Table Knights Of The Round Table by Amaury Laporte licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 King Arthur was a legendary figure who is said to have ruled Britain in the 5th or 6th century. He was a great warrior and leader who united the various kingdoms of Britain under his rule. He is also best known as the leader of the Knights of the Round Table. There were twelve knights, each with a unique personality and skill set. Here is a brief overview of each of the twelve knights: Sir Lancelot: Sir Lancelot was the most famous of the Knights of the Round Table. He was known for his bravery, strength, and loyalty to King Arthur and was considered one of England’s greatest knights. He was also a skilled fighter known for his ability to perform incredible feats of strength and courage. Sir Galahad: Sir Galahad was known for his purity of heart and his unwavering devotion to God. He was said to be the perfect knight and was known for his chivalry and bravery on the battlefield. Sir Percival: Sir Percival was known for his strong sense of justice and his desire to right wrongs. He was a skilled warrior and was often called upon to defend the kingdom against threats from within and without. Sir Gawain: As one of King Arthur’s nephews, Gawain was a natural focus for the knights’ camaraderie and shared duty to protect their honour. He was renowned for his rich experiences in adventure and combat. Sir Tristan: Sir Tristan was known for his great strength and skill with a sword. He was also known for his love of adventure and desire to seek new challenges. Sir Bors: Sir Bors was known for his wisdom and calm demeanour. He served as a mediator and advisor to King Arthur and the other knights. Sir Kay: Kay is referred to as Cai, which means Arthur’s foster brother, a vital part of the legend that explains his relationship with the other knights. He had a strong sense of loyalty to King Arthur, often stopping arguments between other members of the knights and offering wise advice. Sir Gareth: He enters Arthur’s court as Kay’s servant after a sojourn with a rustic vavasour, but despite being a humble young man, he quickly earns respect and friendship of all those around him. Sir Palamedes: He was known for his great strength, physical prowess in combat, and wisdom in council, making him one of King Arthur’s most trusted advisors. Sir Marhaus: He is said to have been a brave and valiant knight who was exceptionally well-versed in the art of war. He is best known for his battle against Sir Tristram, which he easily won. Sir Lamorak: Raised from a young age to be an exemplary knight, he excelled at jousting, battle tactics, and horsemanship. Sir Dinadan: He is a close friend of Sir Tristram and participates in many of his adventures. In some versions of the stories, he is described as a cynic and jester figure, providing comic relief to the usually severe knights. He is also known for his practical jokes and ability to penetrate disguises others think will fool him. In conclusion, The Knights of the Round Table, sworn to King Arthur, embody chivalry’s virtues with honor, loyalty, and selflessness. Their bravery in adversity inspires timeless tales, making them enduring symbols of medieval courage and nobility. As historical or mythical figures, they stand as iconic representations of valor. Frequently Asked Questions How many knights of the round table? The number of Knights of the Round Table varies depending on the source. In some versions of the legend, there are as few as 12 knights, while in others, there are as many as 150. The most well-known and influential version of the legend is the one recorded by Sir Thomas Malory in his book “Le Morte d’Arthur,” which lists the names of around 150 knights. Who wrote King Arthur and the knights of the round table? Sir Thomas Malory wrote King Arthur and the knights of the round table in the 15th century. What did the knights of the round table wear? The Knights of the Round Table typically wore armour to protect themselves in combat, including a metal helmet, a breastplate, gauntlets, and a shield. They also wore a tunic or surcoat over their armour, which was emblazoned with their coat of arms or other symbols that identified them as members of the Round Table. 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