Le Morte d’Arthur · Concept
Betrayal and Treachery
Betrayal is a central force driving the narrative, from Mordred's usurpation and attempted marriage to Guenever, to the treachery of Morgan le Fay and the fatal conflicts among knights like Balin and Balan.
Betrayal is a central force driving the narrative, from Mordred's usurpation and attempted marriage to Guenever, to the treachery of Morgan le Fay and the fatal conflicts among knights like Balin and Balan.
Mordred's usurpation of the throne and seizure of Guenever represent the ultimate betrayal of Arthur's trust and kingdom.
Uther's deception of Igraine, though orchestrated by Merlin, constitutes a betrayal of trust and marital bonds.
The kings attend Arthur's feast under pretense of love but reveal their true intent to overthrow him, a form of betrayal.
The kings swear an oath to destroy Arthur, turning against their sovereign and forming a rebellion.
Characters
Chapters
- Le Morte d'Arthur
- How after that King Arthur had tidings, he returned and came to Dover, where Sir Mordred met him to let his landing; and of the death of Sir Gawaine.
- How Sir Lancelot Heard of the Death of King Arthur and of Sir Gawaine
- How Sir Launcelot Began to Sicken, and After Died, Whose Body Was Borne to Joyous Gard for to Be Buried
- The Siege of Benwick: Sir Gawaine's Challenge
- How Sir Launcelot was wroth with the letter that he received from King Mark, and of Dinadan which made a lay of King Mark.
- How by misadventure of an adder the battle began, where Mordred was slain, and Arthur hurt to the death.
- How Sir Lancelot Heard of the Death of King Arthur and of Sir Gawaine
