Le Morte d’Arthur · Concept
Kingship and Governance
Arthur's rule is tested by rebellion, foreign war, and the fickleness of his subjects, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a just and stable realm amid personal and political conflicts.
Arthur's rule is tested by rebellion, foreign war, and the fickleness of his subjects, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a just and stable realm amid personal and political conflicts.
Caxton presents Arthur as a model Christian king and conqueror, defending his legacy against skepticism.
Arthur's rise from obscurity to king demonstrates the qualities of a rightful ruler: humility, justice, and strength. The chapter explores the challenges of unifying a fractured kingdom.
Uther's use of royal summons and war to pursue his personal desires illustrates the intersection of kingship and personal ambition.
Uther's actions as king—waging war, arranging marriages, and securing his lineage—highlight the responsibilities and manipulations of medieval kingship.
Characters
Chapters
- Preface of William Caxton
- Book I
- How Sir Mordred presumed and took on him to be King of England, and would have married the queen, his father’s wife.
- 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.
- III
- How by misadventure of an adder the battle began, where Mordred was slain, and Arthur hurt to the death.
- How King Arthur commanded to cast his sword Excalibur into the water, and how he was delivered to ladies in a barge
- How Sir Bedivere Found Him on the Morrow Dead in an Hermitage
