Everything You Need To Know About Knights Of The Round Table

The legendary Knights of the Round Table were first introduced in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s 1136 History of the Kings of Britain and quickly became one of the most iconic groups in Western literature. The knights—who formed a select brotherhood dedicated to serving King Arthur— were celebrated for their bravery, loyalty and nobility. Their stories have been told and retold for centuries, captivating audiences with tales of adventure, love, and honour. Read continue to know why knights of the round table are still part of our culture today.

History Of Knights Of The Round Table

The history of the Knights of the Round Table is shrouded in mystery and legend, as the stories surrounding them have been passed down through oral tradition and written accounts for centuries. According to the most widely accepted version of the legend, the Knights of the Round Table were a group of brave warriors who pledged to defend the kingdom of Camelot and uphold the values of chivalry. They were led by King Arthur, a legendary figure who is said to have ruled Britain in the 5th or 6th century. The Knights of the Round Table were known for their strength, courage, and loyalty. They were said to have embarked on many quests to fight evil and bring justice to the land. These quests often involved battles against dragons, giants, and other mythical creatures, and the Knights were revered for their ability to overcome these challenges.

The legend of the Knights of the Round Table can be traced back to the medieval period when Arthurian stories were first recorded in written form. These stories were likely influenced by several historical and mythological sources, including the Welsh tales of the Mabinogion, the Norse sagas, and the chivalric romance literature of the Middle Ages. Over time, the stories of the Knights of the Round Table became a popular subject for literature and art, and they have been retold and adapted countless times in different forms. Some of the most famous works that feature the Knights of the Round Table include the Morte d’Arthur, a Middle English poem written by Sir Thomas Malory in the 15th century, and the Winchester Round Table, a wooden table that was said to have belonged to King Arthur and his knights.

Who Were The Knights Of The Round Table

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Sir Lamorak: Raised from a young age to be an exemplary knight, he excelled at jousting, battle tactics, and horsemanship.
12. 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 legend of the Knights of the Round Table is an enduring tale of chivalry and bravery. The noble warriors, sworn to serve King Arthur and protect the kingdom of Camelot, exemplify the virtues of honour, loyalty, and selflessness. Their bravery and determination in the face of danger and adversity have inspired countless stories and made them iconic symbols of the medieval era. Whether as historical figures or mythical heroes, the Knights of the Round Table remain a timeless and enduring symbol of courage and nobility.