Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
Book III explained
King Arthur establishes his court and marries Guenever, receiving the Round Table as a wedding gift.
What happens
King Arthur establishes his court and marries Guenever, receiving the Round Table as a wedding gift. The knights of the Round Table are introduced, and their early adventures and quests begin, including Sir Gawaine's accidental slaying of a lady and Sir Tor's knighthood.
Themes in this chapter
Kingship and Governance
Arthur's marriage and establishment of the Round Table demonstrate his consolidation of power and the ideals of his rule.
Chivalry and Knighthood
The introduction of the Round Table and the early adventures of knights like Gawaine and Tor highlight the code of chivalry.
Characters to notice
- King Arthur
Establishes his court, marries Guenever, and receives the Round Table.
- Queen Guenever
Marries King Arthur and becomes queen.
- Sir Gawaine
Accidentally slays a lady, an event that marks his early adventures.
- Sir Tor
Is knighted and begins his quests as a knight of the Round Table.
- Merlin
Advises Arthur and arranges the marriage to Guenever.
Key passages
“So Arthur married Guenever, and she was crowned queen.”
Arthur wed Guenever, and she was officially made queen.
The marriage of Arthur and Guenever is a pivotal event in the establishment of Arthur's court.
“And there was the Round Table made, and it was ordained that all knights who sat at it should be equal.”
The Round Table was created, and it was decreed that every knight seated there would have equal status.
The Round Table symbolizes the ideal of equality among Arthur's knights.