Mythology2005

My broken heart...

2005-12-02T23:09:00.000-05:00

When I realized that I would never fully have my Lancelot I fell into a deep dispair. My heart ached and ached from longing and finally I died of a broken heart. My body sailed on a boat down the Thames river to the court of King Arthur. I had a note with my body telling of how I died of a broken heart. King Arthur burried me in a great tomb.

The end of Isolde the Fair

2005-12-02T22:05:00.000-05:00

As the years went on me and my love Tristan eventually fell out of love. I spent my later years with my husband King Mark. However as time went on Tristan was seriously wounded and I was the only one who he could turn to heal him. So I was sent for because no one wanted Tristan to die. The only way he was able to keep himself from dying was to think of my immediate arrival. When I was close to arriving however his wife Isolde of the White hands told Tristan that I had not accepted their plea to help, and at that moment he passed away because he thought I had abandoned him. When I finally arrived my heart sank at the site of my old lover’s death. At that moment I couldn’t take it anymore, and collapsed over him and died. And that is how the final days of my life played out, and then both I and Tristan were buried back in Cornwall. And that is the end of my tail, it might not be as exciting as all you fancy knights, but mine had love, deception, and more love and deception, and hey I'm a queen so I can tell the tail with a little more me time added into it.

a mortal wound..

2005-12-02T20:46:00.000-05:00

My nephew Mordred had escaped to Cornwall after I had besieged him at Winchester. After pursuing him, we met once again at Camlann, where Mordred met his death by my sword. However, I had not enough time to escape without wounds. Once I knew my death was near, I ordered Bedivere to throw Excalibur into the lake to return it to the Lady of the Lake. After disobeying me twice, he finally gave up the sword, which was caught by a hand that emerged from the lake. Morgan le Fay then arrived and had taken me away to Avalon where I met my death.

2005-12-02T19:37:00.000-05:00

Sadly, I did not live to see the battle of Camlann or the death of my king, Arthur. Before that time, I'd been aiding a friend of mine, and took a grievous blow from a poisoned lance in battle. I knew that the only person that could save me from this poison was Iseult the Fair, my true love. She'd saved me once before from the same poison, when all the other healers had failed. I sent word to her, and remained in the Joyous Gard (formerly the Dolorous Gard), awaiting her arrival. I waited on the verge of death for many days, the thought of my love being the only thing to keep me alive. When I heard that there was a ship on approach, I asked Isode, my wife, what color the sails were, as white sails would mean that Iseult was aboard the ship, and black would mean she was not. Isode, for a reason that I've never understood, told me that the sails were black, even though they were white. My heart broken by the very thought that my true love would abandon me removed my will to live, and I turned to a wall and died. Had I lived, perhaps I could have turned the tide at Camlann, but alas, I was not.

My end at Camlann

2005-12-02T19:36:00.000-05:00

I, Sir Mordred, met my untimely demise by the hands of my own father, King Arthur. It was at the Battle of Camlann where Arthur struck me with a fatal blow but not before I managed to fatally wound him. He would walk away from the battle only to die later. As for myself, I was laid to rest on the very battle grounds.

Oh my sweet Arthur...

2005-12-02T17:20:00.000-05:00

My Arthur is dead...and I feel responcible for some reason. Oh well, since I am cursed in love I have decided to spend the rest of my life without it. I shall be a nun and devote myself to the only man i can...God. Within his presence I am safe from temptations of love. I sure hope I made the right decision with Lancelot and living apart from eachother. I feel I did it for the best. And if I get lonely, there are a lot of hot priest here...I could teach them a few hyms...if you know what I mean :)

Arthur died...when?

2005-12-02T17:07:00.000-05:00

I, Sir. Galahad never made it to the battle of Camlaan, for sadly I died on the grail quest when I forgot what colour was by myself considered favorite and thus was thrown into a firey river by a magical bridge keeper....wait thats not right. Actaully, my death did come after I had witnessed the Grail. As the story goes actually, after seeing the grail Sir Percival, Sir Bors, and myself continued back towards Camelot and on the way we stopped at the city of Sarras. This initially proved to be a bad thing because the king of this land did not like us and placed us into a deep prison for a year. We sustained though due to the vision of the grail so freshly in our minds. After a year the king was on his death bed and called for us to ask for our forgiveness for being ill treated. We forgave hime so and he crowned me his heir to the thrown. After my crown was placed though, I arose early the next day to find a man in the likeness of the bishop encircled by a crowd of angels near the holy vessel. He called me forth and after saying my goodbyes to Sir. Percival and Sir Bors I kneeled down to pray and my soul departed my body and rose to heaven. That is where my life finished and Bors and Percival burried my body.

Sources: http://www.bmagic.org.uk/objects/1922P19/images/515

Morgan Le Fey's Take over

2005-12-02T16:48:00.000-05:00

After my "beloved brother" Arthur fell in battle, I, of course the leader, led eight other sorceresses to take Arthur to the Isle of Avalon. Arthur remains on the Isle until the day he is able to return. After taking my brother to the Isle I once again uptook my aspirations of ruling Arthur's kingdom. I plotted and won. I ruled Arthur's kingdom from afar in secret. I later decided to take over most of the world and I ruled in secret on the Isle of Avalon, which I continue to do so to this day. ;)

Sir Kay's Failure in Death

2005-12-01T09:57:00.000-05:00

The last days of my life are somewhat disputed among scholars. Some say that I was mortally wounded during a battle against the Romans; though my death came in a timely fashion after our victory. Others hold that I was present on the fateful day of our Lord Arthur's ultimate demise. In this account, I was slain by the hand of Gwyddawg, who was in turn slain by Arthur in revenge of my death during the battle at Camlann. Regardless of the specifics, I failed in my ultimate duty to protect my king from certain death in his last battle against Mordred.

An end before the end

2005-12-01T03:45:00.000-05:00

I am ashamed to say that I was not there the day my lord Arthur fell. I was slain by Lancelot, though admittedly it was by accident pure and true, at the day of the Queen's execution. Lancelot in his blind rage saw me not as foe, though it was my fault for not wearing armor as should I have.

A not so noble end to a not so noble man...

2005-11-30T10:40:00.000-05:00

Lucky for me, Sir Balin, I did not have to see the passing of my beloved friend and king because I had been dead for quite sometime before his death. Therefore I will discuss for you my own downfall and eventual death. While I was trying to regain Arthur’s favor, which I had failed to do many times, I found myself in search of Sir Garlot for killing Sir Harleus. I caught up with the swine at a feast being held by King Pellam of Lystenoyse. I killed Sir Garlot but his brother, King Pellam, and his knights came after me. During the ensuing fight I broke my sword and was being chased by King Pellam, when I found a spear. I stabbed him with it, which caused the walls of the castle to collapse and kill everyone but myself and the king. I did not realize it at the time but the spear I had stabbed King Pellam with was the same spear that had pierced the side of Jesus during his crucifixion. I fled the castle ruins and saw that three whole kingdoms had been destroyed because of my actions and people everywhere were killed. I eventually escaped from the horrific scenes only to find a young knight about to kill himself, Sir Garnysh of the Mount, because he could not find the lady he was in love with. After searching for her I eventually found her sleeping with a vile looking knight. I immediately told Sir Garnysh of what I had seen and brought him to the scene. Sir Garnysh immediately killed his lady for betraying him and the knight. Then, to my surprise, he killed himself because he was so heartbroken. I did not realize that the young knight would act in this manner but I could not dwell on it since I knew that I would be blamed for deaths of the three people. I rode for a couple of days until I came to a stone cross with an inscription that warned that no knight should ride alone through this area. I immediately dismissed it and arrived at a castle to a hundred knights and ladies who greeted me with much fanfare. Then I was told that I would have to fight the Knight of the Island because I had rode alone through the area. I was given a new shield since my old won was small and warn, but the new shield had no markings to show who I was, which would soon cause me many problems. I soon was engaged against the Knight of the Island who was wearing red armor. After many hours of fighting, both of us had suffered numerous injuries and lost most of our armor. The red knight fell first and then I immediately after him. I asked him who he was and to my horror he told me he was Sir Balan my brother. We both died a few hours later and were buried together per my request. Unfortunately only my brother’s name was inscribed on the tomb since none of the nobles knew who I was, but Merlin came after the burial was completed and changed the inscription to include my name as well. Merlin also took my enchanted sword and put it in a new scabbard so that only Sir Lancelot and his son Sir Galahad could remove it. It is said that when King Arthur was informed of the fate that had fallen my brother and I that he was very upset and proclaimed that we were the finest knights he had ever known. If only I had known how highly Arthur had felt about me before my death, I may never have ruined my life and killed my brother in the process. For had my brother and me survived we would have been two of the first knights of the Round Table.

Palomides - What will become of me?

2005-11-29T14:08:00.000-05:00

I never thought it would happen, but I'm to become Christened in my upcoming baptism. And it's for the least likely of causes. One would think that I would only become baptised for the hand of the lady Isolde, but my reason is rather out of respect for my ex-long-term adversary, a knight who I greatly respect and who forced me to yield in the most exhausting and intense batlle of my life - Sir Tristram. These are the terms of my yielding. Furthermore, now that Arthur is gone, the Questing Beast defeated, and my feud with Tristram is at an end, I've decided to settle down with a few wives as the Duke of Provence, as this was a gift from Sir Lancelot for assisting in rescuing Queen Guinevere. So farewell, noble mythology students from the future!

Gawain's Day of Destiny

2005-11-29T13:48:00.000-05:00

I must now communicate from beyond the grave. Unfortunately, I died in battle while proudly defending my celebrated uncle, King Arthur. Therefore, I would like to give you a brief account about what occurred between me and my uncle just before I passed away on the battle field. While searching for knights that had been either wounded or killed, Arthur found me inside one of the ships. I had previously suffered a wound at the hands of Sir Launcelot and during battle it had reopened. I admitted to my uncle that “it was my pride and my stubbornness that brought all of this about” (Baines 1962).
You see, I had encouraged my uncle to war against Sir Launcelot, and now I am deeply regretful of my actions because I always knew in my heart that Sir Launcelot was “the greatest and gentlest of knights” (Baines 1962). Because of my wrongful actions I repented my sins to a priest who was summoned to the battle field, and I also wrote an apology letter to Sir Launcelot. It was within this letter that I revealed to him that I was about to die, and that I fully take the blame for my death. I admitted that my “spirit of revenge” (Baines 1962) was the cause of my actions. I asked that he would visit my tomb, pray for me, and as my final request I asked that he “hasten with [his] armies across the sea and give succor to our noble king” (Baines 1962).
As I had predicted, I died at the hour of noon and my king wept for me. He had me buried in the chapel at Dover Castle, which I have included a picture for you to view. To this day, many have visited me, many have noticed the wound on my head, and I will always remember how my uncle made it known to me that Sir Launcelot and I were loved by him above all others.

Sources:
www.castleuk.net/.../ 179/images/dovercastle.jpg
(main source - Le Morte d'Arthur, Rendition by Keith Baines, 1962)

I saw not the day...

2005-11-28T17:28:00.000-05:00

I, Sir Percival, was fortunate (or unfortunate depending upon how you think of it) enough not to see my King's life come to an end. Soon after completing the Grail Quest with my fellow knights, Sir Galahad and Sir Bors, I sought a life of peace in the forests. I lived in the forest as a hermit for just over a year before passing from this life unto the next. All this happened before the downfall of Camelot and my noble king, Arthur. I am happy to say I was not alive to see such an awful turn of events befall the Fellowship.

I will miss you Arthur :(

2005-11-25T18:13:00.000-05:00

After the battle of Camlann, Merlin accompanyined the wounded Arthur to the Isle of Avalon for his wounds to heal. Other myth tells how Merlin had fallen deeply in love with the Lady of the Lake, he agreed to teach her all his mystical powers. She became so powerful that her magical skills were greater than Merlin's power itself. Determined not to be enslaved by him, she imprisoned the Merlin in a glass tower or a cave . Thus his absence from the Battle of Camlann was ultimately responsible for Arthur's death. Merlin travelled north, after Camlann, to the court of King Gwendoleu of Caer-Guenoleu, north of the Salway, where the locals called him Lailoken. A war broke out between Merlin's Royal master and the three allies, King Riderch Hael of Strathclyde and Kings Peredyr and Gwrgi of Ebrauc . Gwendoleu was killed in the Battle of Arthuret which made Merlin turn mad with grief at the death of his nephew and four brothers. Merlin then fled into the Caledonian Forest where he lived in a mad frenzy for over a year, becoming known as Myrddin Wylt (the Wild). Riderch his brother-in-law found him and brought him to safety in the Strathclyde Court.

Assignment Seven

2005-11-21T22:31:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

This is the next to last assignment. It is due to be turned in on December 1st. The question is a simple one.

After the battle of Camlann and the death of Arthur, what happens to your character from that point until your "death." If it is not listed anywhere in the mythology, try to come up with a plausible answer for what you think happened to your character.

Good luck and I look forward to the answers.

Note: The shields were part of this semester long blogging experiment/assignment. All of them showed a great deal of work and attention to detail. A few went above and beyond what I would have expected. Those have raised the bar for future classes. Thank you for your hard work and I hope to have them up in Crawford 609 before the end of the semester.

Assignment Six

2005-11-07T08:21:00.000-05:00

This assignment is not due until Friday, November 18th.

This next assignment is something new, and does not necessarily require a blog posting. However, it does involve that you develop your childhood talents of fun with scissors, paste and coloured paper. It is a chance to show your more physically creative side and I want you to create a finished design that is done well. This time, you are going to be graded not only on the content, but on the care and effort put into it. It will cost a few dollars to make, probably not more than $10 at most.

I want you to make a shield with the heraldry of your character upon it. The heraldry can be complex or it may be simple, but there is heraldry for all the characters we have chosen, even the female ones. I want you to make a shield, a kite shield out of cardboard/posterboard as the base (find the dimensions of one online) and then decorate the front with coloured paper or poster paint or whatever, using the actual heraldry from Arthurian myth. Make sure you use only the colours that would have been available at the time. This project should not cost a lot of money, but will probably involve a trip to Walmart, Office Depot or Office Max for the supplies. All three usually stock coloured paper and posterboard.

These shields will be used at the end of class for the final project.

If you have any questions, please forward them on to me.

My Wonderful Life

2005-11-06T19:12:00.000-05:00

The Beautiful Morgan le Fey (www.carrigardaart.com/ morgan%20le%20fey.html)

My King , My Master ( http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl)

Merlin the Wizard, this is my birth place. I lived in the cave

Memoirs of Morgan Le Fey

2005-11-04T13:10:00.000-05:00

www.kempfer.de/privat/gb/cornwall/cornwall.html
This is a map of my homeland.

www.bergoiata.org/fe/Paysages-divers/10.htm
Here are the remains of the castle I was born in.

www.baxternews.com/articles/index.cfm?artOID=189928&cp=
(Arthur)
Here's my despicably perfect brother lavishing in the attentions of his beloved. How it disgusts me.

http://cla.calpoly.edu/~dschwart/engl459b/media/guinevere.jpg
(Guinevere)
This is the harlot that has captured the attentions of my brother. I would kill her if I had the opportunity.

Wherever I Roam

2005-11-03T21:27:00.000-05:00

My homeland of Orkney is shown below. I was raised here after Arthur made an attempt on my infantile life:

http://www.malcolmrussell.net/islandstour.html

Shown below is Sir Kay fighting with the forest mad man:

http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/eng/crt/crt29.htm

Below is a picture of my lovely mother. She, unlike my father, cared for me:

http://melanctharose.tripod.com/

The Home of Isolde

2005-11-03T21:23:00.000-05:00

My birthplace is the land of Ireland. Here are some pictures of my homeland. Its way down there
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=10889

Here is a better picture, of what my home land looked like up close

http://www.flyingdutchmentravel.com/ireland/images/ireland-cliffs.jpg

A picture of Guinevere

http://www.jewelrybyrhonda.com/a_md_g_marriage.jpg

And below is Sir Lancelot slaying a Dragon

http://www.die3sphaere.de/bilder-galerie/cabral/images/sir_lancelot.jpg

Birthplace of Elaine

2005-11-03T20:14:00.000-05:00

Here is the beautiful land from where I hail.

http://merganser.math.gvsu.edu/myth/myth-gal.html

Here is a picture of Sir Percival without his armor.

http://faculty.smu.edu/bwheeler/kinga/perceval2.gif

Nimue the "Lady of the Lake"

http://www.epilogue.net/cgi/database/art/view.pl?id=64052

Guenevere's birthplace

2005-11-03T19:16:00.000-05:00

This lovely woman is Elain, my rival in the conquest for Lancelot. Frankly I think its finders keepers, but thats just me.

Here is Sir Palomedes, the brave knight that smiles while riding into battle. For some reason I'm attracted to men who are not afraid of consequences.

This is the castle and landscape in Malory that i remember so much growing up. I used to run and play games out in the field when my father, the king Leodegrance, wasn't looking. How i miss thoes times, considering now im froliking with Lancelot and not with a landscape.

2005-11-03T18:43:00.000-05:00

Here you can see a picture of Sir Gawain's mother, Morgause.http://www.cloudmover.net/images/gamcardillos/cardscamelotlegends/pictures/queenmorgause.jpg

As you can see here is a pictire of Sir Gawain.http://www.zmangames.com/products/camelot_legends/gawain_small.jpg

As you can see here, I reside around the Scottish country side, usually around a lake or river. In this picture of me, you can see Merlin is chasing after me as I read his spellbook.http://www.timelessmyths.com/arthurian/gallery/merlinnimue.jpg

Close to Home

2005-11-03T15:07:00.000-05:00

http://www.megalithic.org.uk/megp/gallery/gallery/England/Somerset/Camelot.jpg

This is the best pictoral desription of where I grew up with Nimue, right outside of Camelot. She is known as the Lady of the Lake and I did spend time at her lake. However, I spent most of my better days in the Castle of King Arthur, as posted in previous posts.

http://www.illusionsgallery.com/Galahad-L.jpg

This is a picture of my illegitimate son, Galahad, whose mother is Lady Elaine. I slept with her because I thought she was the Gwenivere. Galahad was raised by foster parents and when he was old enough was knighted as Sir Galahad and became part of the Round Table, just like me.

http://www.selinafenech.com/artworks/nimue.jpg

This is a picture of the Lady of the Lake, Nimue, who raised me when I was abandoned as a baby.

Where in the world is Sir Palomides?

2005-11-03T14:34:00.000-05:00

Nimue, "Lady of the Lake"

http://d21c.com/selkywolf/celtic/tidesmainpic.jpg

Sir Balin of Northumberland, show with his brother Balan.

http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/trt/img/021.jpg

My magnificent birthplace in Astlabor.

http://virtual.yosemite.cc.ca.us/ghayes/images/Dsc00485_Old_Castle_near_Aviemore.jpg

Britain, the home of all of Arthur's knights.

http://www.lombardmaps.com/cat/bonne/britain.jpg

A closer look: by Sir Percival

2005-11-02T19:31:00.000-05:00

www.bugbog.com/images/maps/england_wales_map.jpg

Above is a map of my homeland, Wales, and its neighboring lands. It was in the Enchanted Forest here that I grew up away from the world of kings and knights, castles and war. Below is a picture of such a forest, fertile and innocent, untouched by the ways of "civilized" man.

www.johnfarr.dircon.co.uk/photos/Forest.jpg

The following picture is of my fellow knight of the Round Table, Sir Tristram. Fully adorned in armor, Tristram provides an exemplary model of a knight embarking on a quest.

www.camelotintl.com/legend/images/tristram.gif

Ah, the Lady Guinevere, the prize of my king, Arthur. Here is a picture of the two on their wedding day; it is clear why everyone is so fond of her. Her natural beauty is impossible to miss; it is almost spell-binding. Unfortunately we all know what betrayal took place involving her...

www.kingarthursknights.com/.../marriage.jpg

A dark forest, an old rival and my true love....

2005-11-02T16:52:00.000-05:00

I was born in the depths of the forest near my home, while my mother searched for my father, King Melyodas, who had been bewitched by a local sorceress.

Sir Palomides, a knight of the Round Table. I have faced in several tournaments and personal duels. He is always a great challenge, but I have overcome him at every meeting.

Lady Iseult is the one true love of my life, but tragically, in a moment where I was not myself, I married another. I have never consumated that marriage, and still hold my love for Iseult close to my heart. She wept for many nights over my marriage, and even sent Sir Lancelot to attack me over the matter. I was able to explain the whole situation to him, and he in turn relayed the message back.

Sources:
http://users.qnet.com/~raven/athrs3.jpg
http://www.dougkovacs.com/samples/Sir%20palomides%20sample.jpg
http://www.kingarthursknights.com/others/images/iseult.jpg

Home sweet Rubble

2005-11-01T22:37:00.000-05:00

Castell Dinas Bran or in modern times known as Crow Castle is said to be Castle Corbenic, the home of myself, Sir Galahad, before I was taken off to be a knight in Camelot.

While I, Galahad, have no affiliation with Isolde the Fair, other than that she is the love interest of Sir Tristan, another of the knights of the round table, here she is in a painting of her by the sea. Then again we see her here with Sir Tristan as they set sail to leave Ireland (Isolde's home land) and go back to Cornwall (Sir Tristan's homeland).

Sources for pictures from left to right, top to bottom.
http://www.castlewales.com/dinas.html
http://www.cpat.org.uk/educate/guides/dinasb/dinasb.htm
http://www.timelessmyths.com/arthurian/women.html#Isolde
http://www.johnwilliamwaterhouse.com/paintings/painting1447.aspx

a home, a traitor, and a friend: from King Arthur

2005-11-01T19:19:00.000-05:00

The city of Cornwall, England is the place of my birth.

(Photo: www.uk-genealogy.org.uk/images/maps/Cornwall.jpg)

The beautiful view from the walls of my home, Tintagel Castle.(Photo: www.faculty.smu.edu/bwheeler/kinga/tintagel.jpg)

Mordred, my bastard son/nephew to my half-sister, Morgause.

(Photo: http://www.merlyn44.com.br/99_imagens_raiz/hp10_mordred_01.jpg)

Lady Elaine of Corbenic; lover of one of my knights, Sir Lancelot.(Photo: http://www.donatoart.com/paintings/elegy.jpg)

A Glimpse into the Past of Kay

2005-10-30T22:37:00.000-05:00

Upon reviewing my outstanding acheivements in my heroic lifetime, I have decided to compile a few momentos for your viewing pleasure. I trust you will appreciate and admire my life as much as I do.

Below is a map of the great country of my birth: Wales

www.map-of-uk.co.uk

I was born in Caer Goch, among the rolling hills of the Welsh countryside.

www.romartraveler.com

My father was a noble man of honor and esteem. He single handedly raised Arthur and myself, an achievement that requires much admiration. He is depicted below, along with myself.

www.kingarthursknights.com

The woman of my ultimate demise: Morgause. Half-sister to Arthur, Morgause gave birth to Mordred, the man who would murder me in a brutal war for Camelot.

melanctharose.tripod.com

Moments to Remember: Gawain

2005-10-30T20:31:00.000-05:00

A map of my homeland, the beautiful Britannia, as well as my future home the Orkney Islands...

(Photo Souce: infofila.cz/filatelia/ britania/pictures/uk2.jpg)

Please take a moment to admire the Pristine Beauty of my homeland...

(Photo Source: www.freewebs.com/.../ t3s2-orkney-beach.jpeg)

Lancelot, my fellow knight. The man who killed my brother Gareth. I'm sorry, I can speak no more of this...

(Photo Source: www.churchman.org/ Pictures/tn_lancelot.jpg)

Lastly, the woman responsible for giving The Green Knight his magic, Morgan Le Fey...

(Photo Source: www.raiosdelua.blogger.com.br/ Morgan_Le_Faye.gif)

My Land, My King, My Foe

2005-10-30T13:11:00.000-05:00

My home land, the Great Northumberland:

(From a Map of England)

(Photo Source: http://www.ogles.org/History.htm)

The majestic Moors of Northumberland:

(Photo Source: http://www.roughtracks.com/photogallery/01-c2cl/images/Northumberland%20moors%20scene.jpg)

My king, the Great King Arthur:

(Photo Source: http://www.firstfoot.com/scotchmyth/images/King-Arthur-Butler-L.jpg)

My foe, the vile Lady of Avalon, unfortunately with her head still attached:

(Photo Source: http://www.jeshannon.com/pics/avalon.html)

Update for 5th assignment

2005-10-29T09:44:00.000-04:00

Note, that because there are differing numbers of male and female characters, there may have to be some overlap in the number of characters used. I would like all the characters to be portrayed at least once in the assignment before duplication begins.

YOU MUST PORTRAY DIFFERENT CHARACTERS FROM THOSE WHO POSTED BEFORE YOU UNLESS ALL THE CHARACTERS HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH ONCE BY THE TIME YOU POST.

Then, no more than two people may use the same male or female character.

Example: Since Merlin and Guinevere have already been done, they can not be used again until all the other characters have been portrayed one other time in one of your classmates' assignments.

Memories of a Knight

2005-10-28T22:08:00.000-04:00

Greetings. Today I share with thee a few of my memories.

First, is my homeland. Ah, Orkney, how I long for thy shores once more...

A map of my homeland ((Source: Click here))

One of the beautiful scenic wonders upon my island
((Source: Click here))

And my friend Merlin, a wizard amongst wizards indeed (though I still say the sword is stronger than the flame).

((Source: Click here))

((Source: Click here))

And lastly, the fair lady Guinevere. Ah, indeed she is fair...

((Source: Click here))

Fifth Assignment

2005-10-26T21:16:00.000-04:00

This Assignment is due on Friday, November 4th.

So far, I am intrigued by the various different approaches that you have taken to this project. Now, this is a nitty gritty assignment, that will require a little bit of work but not a lot of writing. I want you to find three pictures for the blog that fill the following criteria.

1) A picture that represents that place of your character's birth. It doesn't have to be an actual picture of the place, but it should at least symbolize your homeland or place of birth. It should also be clearly identifiable in location...don't just choose a generic castle. It could be a picture of the Scottish highlands, or of the actual castle that was said to be your birthplace.

2) A picture/drawing that portrays one of the other male characters. You can not use the same picture as anyone else or one that has been used before. In otherwords, make sure you look at the other choices before you post.

3) A picture/drawing that portrays one of the other female characters. Again, the same rules as above apply.

Make sure you provide web citations for all images. Make sure you also clearly identify who the images are. Finally, if two other people have chosen to post a picture of a character you wanted to use, you must choose another character of the appropriate gender. There are plenty to go around. I don't want 16 arthurs and 16 guineveres.

Good luck!

Lancelot's fear

2005-10-25T22:59:00.000-04:00

My entire life I have not had the greatest self-confidence. My goal in life was to become someone of value, my fear being that I would amount to nothing. This goes back to my days of being abandoned and raised by the Lady of the Lake. I trained to become a Knight because of her influence and because I knew that becoming a Knight, and eventually becoming part of the Round Table, would allow me to impact the world and make something of myself. Because of my complex, I trained harder than any other Knight and because of that I became one of the best, King Arthur's right hand man. Unfortunately, I betrayed my best friend and had an affair with his wife, which caused me to go mad. I was so ashamed of my actions and my love for the Queen, and my fear of not being a liked and respected person came true, at least in my eyes.

The Morals of Sir Lancelot

2005-10-25T22:50:00.000-04:00

As one of the great Knights of the Round Table, I prided myself on my chivalry, nobility, modesty, loyalty, and undying passion for all that I do. However, I am human and I was flawed by the one thing that gets to all men: a beautiful, unavailable woman. As a Knight, I would fight, kill, steal, and lie if need be for the best intentions of the King and Camelot, considering King Arthur was a dear and close friend. I fell in love with his wife, the Queen, and although I committed adultery I feel justified because I was in love. The lust was there, the sparks flew, and I agonized over the fact that I was also in madly and deeply love with my King's wife, not just sleeping with her. We did not tell the King, for I would not consent to break my promise of loyalty to him. I felt extremely guilty for the sins we committed. In the end, my love for the Queen was my ultimate downfall, as I comprimised almost all my morals and everything I stood for.

Sir Palomides and Morality

2005-10-21T13:20:00.000-04:00

I encompass all the great and admired traits of noble knights everywhere: honesty, chivalry, strength, bravery, nobility, humility. There are only two closely tied broad conditions under which I will fight, and I never steal or lie. The first is when I am put to shame or accused of a misdeed; anyone with boldness enough to challenge a knight's prowess better be ready to draw swords with him. Some may think I am a violent pagan for my actions like this. As for my romantic views, this ties into the second condition. I have brawled and quarrelled many times over seemingly petty pretenses with the knight Sir Tristram. Why, you may ask? The reason is our mutual love for the fair Princess Isolde of Ireland, although it is rarely the explicit reason for our fighting. This may seem childish, but if you were to lay an eye on this woman, you would be blinded by her beauty (or by my sword putting it out).

I am not a killer :(

2005-10-20T21:00:00.000-04:00

Personally, I believe in honor, and the concept of "the greater good". Basically, as long as the action is done for the greater good of the people of Camelot as a whole, and as long as the action is done honorably, the action can be considered acceptable. As an example, if a man eviscerated another man to defend Camelot, it is honorable and for the greater good, so it is acceptable. On the other hand, if a man had promiscuous sex with a woman to save Camelot, it is for the greater good, but it is not honrable, so it is not acceptable. If the action neither effects the honor or the greater good of Camelot, then it also acceptable, such as my love for Nimue.

Morals of The King

2005-10-20T20:20:00.000-04:00

In order to rule a country rightfully, the king needs morals. As for me, I will not fight unless necessary. I take great pride in my kingdom and my noble knights, for I have even taught them to always show courtesy, mercy, and justice. I fight for my kingdom, but I am not afraid to put my crown aside and fight for what is righteous.
I will not lie or cheat at the expense of ruining my reputation as a great King. In battle, I might steal from my enemies. I once stole a magic cauldron from the King of Annwn that had rejuvenating powers.
I am faithful to my lovely Queen Guinevere, and love her dearly.

The morals of Gwenevere

2005-10-20T19:14:00.000-04:00

Ha....morals. My moral codes in life are slim to non-existent. Oh, Im sorry. Its Gwenevere again, here to discuss my moral codes and the morals that I have or should have in life. One thing that I do pride myself on is my image to my people and the comfort knowing my people think im a good and honest queen (Ha!). I believe any woman should look good in public, no matter who they are and what their social status is. A woman's image should be her number one concern. Another moral code that I have in my life is being a good queen to the people (not to my husband). I follow a strict guideline of order in my kingdom (and not necessarily in my house...try not to get those two confused), and i believe in a firm rule, and only through a firm rule can a civilization advance itself. Other morals that I have are....oh yeah....nothing. You'd think that a queen of a great kingdom should have morals like loyalty, dignity, respect, selfless service, integrity, honor, and perseverance, but guess what....I don't! I am very dishonest, especially to my husband, the king, and I just don't care because if I did, I wouldn't be fooling around with Lancelot on the side. The road to hell is paved with bored housewives.

My Covenant: Morgan Le Fey

2005-10-20T16:49:00.000-04:00

I start by saying that I acheive my goals. I will stop at nothing short to get whatever I want. I will lie, cheat, steal, murder, and seduce withought any qualms to attain my goals. I enjoy life yet I do not enjoy my own Mortality. Death is one price I am willing to gamble on, but not if it is certain death. I believe I can get anything I want and will use ANY means neccesary to rid myself of obstacles in my way. I will bewitch, lie, cheat, steal, murder, seduce, decieve so beware of the web I weave around myself; for not everyone can see through deciet.

The Moral Code of Sir Kay

2005-10-20T16:24:00.000-04:00

It is often said of me that I am one of a cruel nature. However, I am also said to be one of Arthur's most faithful followers and amongst the greatest of warriors. I will kill when need be for my kingdom and my God, or whenever else the mood so strikes me. I have slain many giants, bearded monsters, and the like at my discretion. My moral character is not as strong as my physique, although I often intend not to stray from my calling as a Knight of the Round Table by stealing or cheating. I take light in others' uncomforts, and have often sent other knights on quests that I intended them to fail, thus bringing me into better light. In spite of this, my boastful nature has seemed to backfire on my honor on many occasions. I have been known to stretch the truth on occasion, and am fond of the physical affection of women, be it voluntary or not. Later in my life, I have become the better part of a semi-monogomous marriage with the Princess Andrivete of Northumberland. My wife bore me a daughter and two sons. In respects to my God in Heaven, I am a Christian, though some may have you believe that I am of the Hellbound pursuasion of the Saxons.

Domini, Anno (2005). King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table: Sir Kay. http://www.kingarthursknights.com/knights/kay.asp
Ford, David Nash (2001). Sir Kay:Arthurian Literary Character. http://www.earlybritishkingdoms.com/bios/kay.html.

Nimue, Merlin, and Magic

2005-10-20T16:09:00.000-04:00

Hello all. When I was 16 years of age, I met Merlin. He fell in love with me and I begged him to let me accompany him on journys to learn his magical powers. I did make him promise me that he would not use any of his magical powers to make me lay with him in bed. I became more, and more interested in Merlin's magic and traded my love with him for lessons in magic. As I learned more magic, I became more powerful than Merlin. Eventually, I tired of Merlin and turned one of his own spells against him, sealing him up forever in a cave. After this, I took up being King Authur's advisor and counselor. Being Authur's counselor, I met Sir Pellas, who eventually became my lover and husband.

Kevin Luke

Morality Au Mordred

2005-10-20T16:03:00.000-04:00

I, Sir Mordred, have a unique set of morals. I do not feel as though my morals are held up by anybody but myself. I feel that it is necessary for me to do whatever I can to acheive what I want. I will stop at nothing for myself. When I wished to extract revenge against my bastardly father, King Arthur, I took the throne while he was away and made love to his wife, Guinevere. I do not feel this to be wrong as it is what I want. Some may call me selfish, let them. I do not squander time on others. If I should choose to cause some dissaray, I will gladly "borrow" another knight's uniform. I always intend to give it back but for the time, I am in need of it. I will lie to save my own hide. There's no purpose in getting into trouble for something that isn't wrong.

Maiden Morality

2005-10-20T15:43:00.000-04:00

Although I am but a fair maiden, if deception is the only way that I can have my Lancelot then that is what I must do. After he saved my life I had my attendant arrange for him to believe that I was Guinevere so that I could sleep with him. Dishonest yes, however I wanted my love so badly I was willing to throw morality away so that I could have him.

http://www.eliki.com/ancient/myth/camelot/lancelot/

My Covenant, My Codes: Gawain

2005-10-20T13:40:00.000-04:00

My moral and chivalric code is best represented by my symbolic shield. The pentangle on my shield represents the five virtues of the Knights of the Round Table: friendship, generosity, chastity, courtesy, and piety. More specifically, these five virtues are what I strive to adhere to everyday. My aspirations of behavior include being “faultless in [my] five senses; never to fail in [my] five fingers; to be faithful to the five wounds that Christ received on the cross; to be strengthened by the five joys that the Virgin Mary had in Jesus and to possess brotherly love, courtesy, piety, and chastity” (Internet 2005). It is because of these virtues that no matter what the circumstance is; I must always believe in adhering to the letter of the law. This adherence is due largely to the fact that, unlike some of the fellow knights I serve with, I have often struggled with the concept of being able to accept my sins and absolve myself. This is most evident in the fact that I will continue to do penance for my sins by wearing the green girdle for the rest of my life. This green girdle serves as a reminder to me that I failed to uphold the highest standards of my virtue because at one point I put my faith in an inanimate object rather than in God Almighty.
When concerned with my code about love, romance, and sex, I am just as strict as I am will my other codes. I have a strong commitment to Courtly Love and its rituals in that I have a specific duty to “courtesy,” as well as to engaging in “a complex linguistic convention of love, in which erotic urges are translated into a vocabulary of flirtation with only occasional physical actions (like kissing)” (Johnston 2005). This is as far as I’ll go with a lady, without having her hand in marriage and the greatest test of all is not giving into my most basic natural urges. These high standards are also tied to my virtue of “piety” because I have a devotion of faith to the Mother of God, Mary, which requires me to treat all women with respect.

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/gawain/themes.html
http://www.mala.bc.ca/~johnstoi/introser/gawain.html, Ian Johnston
csis.pace.edu/grendel/ projs2002f/pentagram.jpg

Moral Codes of Isolde the Fair

2005-10-20T09:09:00.000-04:00

It’s Isolde the Fair again. A moral code for me is somewhat limited. By being a women and a queen, I have little use for killing, so it’s not really a concern of mine. And I can have everything I want since I am a queen. The only thing I really want is Tristan, and I would lie and sneak around to protect both myself and him from harm. With our love affair being very serious, it would also cause serious punishment if we were ever caught. Thought I try not to lie to either my husband and especially not to god. I may show partial truth like when I was asked if I had every laid on a man, and I fell on Tristan in disguise earlier so I was able to say that I had truthfully in front of god without punishment. I just can’t seem to not sneak around with Tristan, ever since drinking that potion I have been in love with him. And even thought the king loves me and I am his wife, I am too much in love with Tristan. So I guess I hold more of a value on love than marriage. And if we were ever caught I would not betray Tristan. I would do anything to help Tristan, even when he is dying I rushed to him to heal him, but he died before I could get there. But I would never not go to his aid, he means too much to me. So I guess my moral code is that I would do anything to protect Tristan and love is more important than marriage.

To kill or not to kill...

2005-10-19T20:46:00.000-04:00

Many of my knightly brethren in King Arthur’s court fight by different codes. Some may fight for God, while others will fight for love. I, on the other hand, fight for neither. My reasons for fighting are very few but very important to me. Firstly, I will fight for revenge. If someone wrongs me, I will make sure he or she pays for it. I showed that the sex of the person who has wronged me does not matter when I beheaded the Lady of Avalon after she wished for my head and caused my mother to be burned to death through her magic. Another reason is for friendship. I will kill a man who has wronged a friend of mine. Much like when I went to kill King Royns of West Britain, King Arthur’s worst enemy, in the hope of regaining Arthur’s friendship after I had beheaded the Lady of Avalon in his court. Also, unlike many of my knightly brethren I will take what I feel I deserve. Although I do not go around stealing every shiny metal item in the world, but if there is something that particularly catches my fancy then I shall have it, as was the case when I got my second sword. After I had unsheathed the sword, which no other knight in the court would even attempt, and even King Arthur could not do, I decided that it was the most beautiful sword I had ever seen and decided to keep it, even though the young noblewoman carrying it demanded I return it. I figured that since I was the only one that could remove it and that since it is was so amazingly beautiful that I might as well keep it, so I did. I will leave you with this closing thought, if you ever wrong me or any of my friends, I will come after you and you will not live after my two swords and I catch you.

Morals....Shmorals....(Snuri Snurlissan)

2005-10-19T19:52:00.000-04:00

I, Galahad, find morals to be quite unecessary and instead feel that if one follows the laws of God that they will not need to set human morals because they will already be restrained by divine laws. In my life I choose to live by gods word and live only to appease him. Thus, if I kill, it is for god and christianity. If I am to resort to violence it is under the code of chivalry and never for pointless sport. As for theft and dishonesty, I find these things to be unholy evils that plague the human race and equates some to simple dogs.
Under my vowe to withold the word of god and carry the holy grail, I have sworn off the love of woman or her touch. I will save my love for the lord and my virginty til death.

My Morals: Sir Percival

2005-10-19T15:36:00.000-04:00

I am a moral and just man. Above all, even my King, I serve God. I obey his laws before all others and my actions reflect that. With respect to women, love and romance, I shall remain a virgin until I encounter the woman I shall marry. Upon marriage only shall I enter into relations with this woman. I will always treat women with the highest regard, but will not be seduced; nor will I allow them to cloud my senses with their charm and beauty. I was taught to have a deep respect for any man who has not given me reason to mistrust him and, therefore, will not inflict injury upon any man without good cause. However, I am a knight and, like all knights, I seek glory and honor. I will accept a challenge; I also will often challenge others if they stand in my way or cause me or another dishonor. I will not kill unless defending my own life; if my challenger pleads for his life, it will be granted him without question. I do not lie, steal, or cheat unless absolutely necessary; these actions show great disrespect for others and are not worthy of a knight unless no other option presents itself. As you can see, I am a god-fearing man and a chivalrous knight of Arthur's Court.

2005-10-17T19:44:00.000-04:00

My moral code as a knight is in alignment with the chivalric code. If honor or justice rules it, I shall kill in it's name. If my loyalty compells it, I shall lie to defend that which compells my loyalty. I shall not steal, as it is not just. I shall not unjustly commit violence unless I or my honor is under threat, or unless it is to aide another is in such a plight. Nor shall I wrong a women lest the wrath of God befall me. As of love, it shall be courtly; I shall dedicate my life to her love and hers alone, and shall only engage in sexual activities for procreative purposes. I shall seek salvation in her heart, and my eyes shall see only her, my one lady fair. I shall flatter her as she needs for that one ennobling glance, that enervates me to move onward.

Fourth Assignment

2005-10-16T01:17:00.000-04:00

Again, these are a set of questions that require a little bit of thought. The answers may not be obvious, but in many case they will be. Think about your answers before posting.

PS: This week I will be making comments on a number of recent posts, asking for clarifications or expansions, or general comments praising your work. Check throughout the week on your posts for indications that there are comments. Not all posts will receive comments, so scan through them.

Questions: What is your moral code? For example, under what conditions will you kill? Steal? Lie? Do you have a personal code of behavior about violence? What about love, romance and sex?

I am Scared of Nobody

2005-10-14T03:18:00.000-04:00

I Merlin the Wizard am scared of nothing. My weekness thou are preety woman. I have been gifted with the gift of Prophecy, therefore i am well aware of the dangers before me. I was destined to aid Arthur in his quest, through Arthur i will come to know my own mind.

The Fear of Being Caught

2005-10-13T21:57:00.000-04:00

Hello, it’s me, Isolde the Fair. So it turns out that I need to tell you all about my fears or biggest fears. I think that my biggest fear would be if anyone every truly discovered me with Tristin. I especially would fear if my husband the King found out. Cause I know if he did it would be the end of both me and Tristin. And even though I do fear it, I still can't help it, and we have come very close to being caught many times. Many of my husband’s advisors accused me, but I was able to fool them and my husband. But in the end my husband really trusts me, which makes it so much easier. But I think another thing I do fear is if either my or Tristan’s feelings for each other ever changed, I don't know what I would do. My life would be turned upside down, but I know that can't happen because we each have taken a love potion and so has my husband which is the reason he loves me so much. There is really nothing else I fear being a queen and beautiful and all. Those make lots of things in my life so much easier.

Nothing to fear but me...

2005-10-13T20:40:00.000-04:00

I, Sir Mordred, fear very little. My fears, however, are compelling and paralyzing. My name itself means, "the fear of death." From my cowardice acts in battle, this holds true. I hold a fear greater than all the lands of my demise. I fear nothing worse than losing in combat or meeting an untimely death. This causes me to perform selfless and cowardly deeds. Little can tell of another fear of mine, as I hide it well. I am fearful of failure. When I fail at something I feel so compelled to accomplish, I lash out aggressively at those around me. I do this by a means of threats and even violence. In doing this, I establish a greater fear in the people around me. A fear of me.

Fear of the Grail Maiden

2005-10-13T20:33:00.000-04:00

It is I Elaine the Grail Maiden once again. I sit each day in my tower watching my mirror wating for a glimpse of my Lancelot walking through Camelot. Alas my greatest fear is that never again will I see my love, Lancelot.

Sir. Galahad fears....

2005-10-13T19:57:00.000-04:00

I wake each day and pray to my lord, God, that I may maintain my strength against all that opposes me. In the essence of my prayers I know that God will repay my purity and my devotion with the strength needed to complete my quest for the grail and carry on the rights of my bloodline, connected to Joseph of Armethea. In turn I neither fear pain, suffering, loss, or death. I only fear God. I fear that he may not favor me or that I may offend him. I never doubt my God but I fear his judgement. While my lifes task is to remain a virgin and pure, I have slain men in the name of the king and the name of Christianity. I have killed those that oppose the laws of God. Thus, I devote my life to God.

Source help: http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/burngala.htm

Fears of the King

2005-10-13T19:29:00.000-04:00

I, King Arthur, am a surpreme warrier. I lead my men into battle instead of riding by their sides. I have been fighting Angles and Saxtons as they brought crisis to my people. Like all men, knights included, I have tiny fears in the back of my head. The Angles and Saxons have yet to ride armed horses into battle and fear my powerful men, but could indeed someday take over. Excaliber could be lost. The Saxons have collected large armies in great attempts to destroy me. I once was sent to confront a giant. In order to maintain my honor and might I went alone. Although I feared the giant, I know I can rely on the strength of my knights. I am ultimately dependent upon my men and their loyalty.

Guenevere's Fear

2005-10-13T18:02:00.000-04:00

I know for a fact that my greatest fear is of the impending doom for the fellowship of the Round Table, of Camelot, and of those I love. I am afraid that i will be caught in the middle of a battle for love and revenge over the Round Table and for my husband's throne by his son, Mordred. I am afraid that the Round Table, Camelot, and my husband, Arthur, will all go down in one foul swoop of evil and vengence, and i will not be able to stop it. I am so scared for the future...I just don't know what to do...

The true fear of a great knight.

2005-10-13T16:32:00.000-04:00

There is little that brings fear to my heart. I have faced the greatest of men, both in single combat and on the field of battle, and defeated them all. I have defeated the great Sir Palomides the Saracen, felled Sir Marhaus of the Round Table, and I even made short work of a dozen armed men while I was myself unarmed, unarmored and bound. I have been called one of the greatest knights to ever don a suit of armor, second only to Sir Laucelot (and even that's been disputed many times). So what could one such as myself truly fear? A dishonorable defeat at the hands of an unworthy opponent. To fall in battle against a worthy foe is an honorable death, and one I will welcome should the time come, but to suffer an unhonorable death would the greatest failure of my life and would go against the code I've strived to live by.

Fear Is My Worst Enemy

2005-10-13T14:33:00.000-04:00

My knightly code of conduct includes the following statements, “Thou shalt respect all weaknesses and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them, and Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy.” (The Baronage Press, 1999) During my time as a knight, I have always strived to uphold these codes; however, a certain fear of mine once overtook me. This fear was so great that is cost me a portion of my honor. This fear is my fear of mortality. Even though death is unavoidable, I made the mistake of believing that I was invincible. My fear of mortality became most evident during my meeting with the Green Knight. Before our meeting, I received a green girdle that possessed the power to protect me from harm, but even with its protection I was overcame with a fear of death which caused me to flinch when the Green Knight tapped me with his axe. My actions have brought me great shame and the fact that I even wore the girdle and flinched makes me a mockery. Worst of all my cowardly fear caused me to break my code of chivalry because instead of placing my fear in the hands of God, I put my faith in the green girdle’s power. However, all is not lost because my fear has allowed me to recognize that even though I have been celebrated as the “perfect knight,” I am only a mere mortal whose human flesh is weak.

Sources:
http://www.baronage.co.uk/chivalry/chival1a.html
http://csis.pace.edu/grendel/prjf72a/firstpag.html
http://www.bookrags.com/notes/sgk/TOP3.htm

The fears of a Lady

2005-10-13T14:14:00.000-04:00

Hello again, it's me, Nimue. I'm here today to tell you about my fears. Since I've learned some of Merlin's magical powers, I'm greatly fearful of loosing them. Also, I'm fearful that King Authur will loose Excaliber to enimies in battle and that it will fall into the wrong hands, thus cursing the world now as we know it.

The Fears of Sir Kay the Seneschal

2005-10-12T23:57:00.000-04:00

My father, Ector, was a nobleman of Caer Gal, west of Bala, above the River Dee. I grew admiringly in his shadow, hoping that one day I, Kay the Tall, would be as honorable and respected as my great father. One cold night, the magician Merlin bestowed my father with a gift that would forever alter my path. Ector was given the infant Arthur, future King of Britain, although we did not know of his royal destiny until later. Arthur grew into a young man as my brother and squire. I was the dominant warrior of the family, destined for knighthood, until the fateful day Arthur pulled the sword from the stone and was declared king. Though my knee readily bends to my brother, and my service to his court shall never stray, my heart is engulfed with the fear of becoming lost in his shadow. Perhaps through this fear comes my arrogant and boastful nature. My epitaph, "Kay the Tall" even lends itself to the notion that I am compensating for my longing to be a noble, honorable warrior with egotistic personality traits and fabricated stories of glory. I fear inadequecy and strive for legendary respect and stature.

Not even my two swords can stop my greatest fear...

2005-10-12T21:04:00.000-04:00

I, Sir Balin, may have more courage and virtue then my brethren, but I still have fears. My greatest fear is not losing my two swords or being attacked by those that want to avenge the ones that I have killed, but rather it is that I may never regain King Arthur’s friendship. Time and time again I have performed deeds that have made him angry with me. The first act was when I killed Arthur's cousin in a jousting match, for which I was imprisoned for 6 months as punishment. Then I beheaded the Lady of Avalon in front of King Arthur after she was his benefactress. After doing this act, Arthur exiled me from his court forever, even though the Lady of Avalon wanted my head, caused my mother to be burned to death, and killed many other noble knights with her magic. While I was on my mission to regain Arthur’s friendship by killing King Royns, Arthur’s greatest enemy, Sir Launceor confronted me to avenge my wrong doings to Arthur. He rode at me and I speared him, killing him before he fell from his horse. Then a young maiden rode up and, seeing her lover dead, killed herself with his sword. Once Arthur found out about this newest act, there would be no way he would ever forgive me. However I know that by killing the evil King Royns, King Arthur will yet forgive me and consider me again a friend...as long as I don’t do anything else to offend him...

"Fear?!" - Sir Palomides

2005-10-12T16:44:00.000-04:00

Like any brave and virtuos knight, my greatest nightmare is being shamed or having my nobility called into question. And indeed there is one knight who, although I respect and admire him greatly, I have had many a tense situation in the past and has put me to shame. I'm referring to the man who loves the same woman as I, the beautiful Princess Isolde of Ireland: I'm speaking of Sir Tristram, with whom I associate every negative memory in the past including my only surrender after a two-hour unprovoked fight. Truly there is no other man, knight, or beast that I have clashed with more. And for that my fear is not Sir Tristram himself but rather what he brings each time we meet: embarassment, anguish, defeat..., shame!

My Fear:Morgan Le Fey

2005-10-12T13:45:00.000-04:00

My greatest fear is that I will never gain access to the throne of Camelot and that my powers will diminish in time and I will be forgotten. No woman wishes to be forgotten throughout time, and therefore wish to make an impact on life itself. I believe the with my powers, and my ambition that I will gain the throne of Camelot and therefore empower my name into immortality. I fear anyone that is capable of ruining my dreams and therefore try to dispose of anyone or anything that is in my way.

The fear of a knight

2005-10-12T06:50:00.000-04:00

My greatest pride is my honor. My greatest fear is the loss of that honor. I committed a terrible act, thinking myself to be acting in honor. I found my own mother in flagrante delicto with none other than Sir Lamorak himself. Though it shames me to admit, I beheaded my own mother and then, with my brothers, I hunted down Sir Lamorak for revenge. Would that I have battled him in fair combat, some honor may have yet been saved, but Mordred stabbed the man in the back. Once Arthur finds this act of cowardly revenge out, that slew my own mother in a moment's rage, I am sure to be thrown from court, and my honor diminished.

My worst "fear" - Sir Percival

2005-10-10T19:07:00.000-04:00

As a child my mother taught me to live an honest, just, and well-balanced life. Above all, she taught me to always be respectful of others, and especially to be respectful of God and to show my faith by living according to his lessons and stopping/praying any time I encountered a church or chapel. As a result of this, I have always been mindful of being true to God and his laws. I have proven myself loyal to God at least 3 times by defeating the Devil in His various forms: once as a black stallion given to me by a mysterious woman, once as a serpent, and a third time as a seductress from a foreign land. Each time I remained faithful to God and, showing my loyalty by making the sign of the cross on my forehead, defeated my temptation. In this way I remained true to God, as well as my mother. Also, in this way I feel I have served my father's name well by living as a just and pious man. As a knight of The Round Table, certain expectations and loyalties are assumed; these a knight would not dishonor without fear of grave consequences. Similarly, I do not dishonor my family nor God with the actions of my life.

(main source - Le Morte d'Arthur)

Third Assignment

2005-10-06T08:42:00.000-04:00

This assignment is due on Thursday, October 13th by 5 p.m. If you are having any posting problems please let me know as soon as possible. So far I have been impressed by the quality of the responses and the "revisions" a few of you have made to weaker entries. Keep up the good work.

Assignment 3. Okay, this one took a little thought. It's a bit of a challenge, but let's see how you do. Each and every one of you(i.e. your characters) has a fear or something they are afraid of. What is it? Why are you afraid of it?

This could be an idea, a concept, or an actual thing. Think about it, and see if you can come up with a plausible answer. This assignment is the first real "think" piece, so try to think about your answer before quickly jotting something down. It is certainly not an assignment to let wait until Thursday at 4:45. There isn't necessarily a "right" answer, or just one answer, for some characters. Choose which answer best suits your idea of your character and their motivations.

Good luck.

Sir Tristram, Described.

2005-09-30T09:13:00.000-04:00

I, sir Tristram of Lyonesse, have been described by many as being both big and extremely handsome. Coupled with my musical skills with a harp, and my charming way with words, I am quite the ladies' man. In my earlier years, while I travelled with Governayle, my tutor and friend, I wore fine clothes that would be fitting of nobility such as myself. From the moment that I came to the aid of my uncle, King Mark of Cornwall, and became a knight of his court, I am always seen wearing my shining armor, and carrying my lance, shield and sword. The sword is missing a small fragment near the tip, which was lodged in the head of Sir Marhaus, a knight of the Round Table, whom I defeated in a duel to gain the freedom of Cornwall from Irish tyranny. I usually wear either the heraldry of King Mark, or that of Lyonesse.

Image source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/eng/crt/img/10000.jpg

In the threads that define my purpose. (Galahad)

2005-09-30T00:51:00.000-04:00

I feel that when describing myself I must state that it is my mission in life to seek out and be the bearer of the Holy Grail and thus I must lead a life of purity and and holiness unlike any man in my prescence. In fact I am deemed by some to be the perfect night in reference to my courage, gentleness, courtesy, and chivalrous nature. My robes are usually portrayed to match my shield and crest. My white shield, made by Evelake, has a red cross painted across it which Joseph of Arimathea had drawn in blood. The cross is of course in referance to the savior Christ and his tribualtions.

2005-09-29T17:35:00.000-04:00

http://www.camelotintl.com/legend/images/gaheris.gif

I am the bold knight Gaheris! Many call me a walking arrow target, casual misblow, or 'here I am, shoot me now' Gaheris ((Humor intended)). I have a fine beard; 'tis better than my brother Gareth's, I assure you. Though pray thee do not tell him I said such. I favor the axe; a good, sturdy weapon, though I will use the sword if I must. If I do say so myself, I shaped up to be a fine knight after being my brother's squire, the fact of which you could not tell with a mere glance at me. But know that the glimmer in my eye is not a glimmer of power-lust, but the glimmer of a man set on avenging his father... foul Pellinore, slayer of kin and destroyer of the hearth, I shall upon you bestow my vengence one day yet...

Sir Palomides, the Saracen

2005-09-29T16:39:00.000-04:00

http://www.littlewingpinball.com/contents/img_wallpaper/glcellphone/09_palomides320.jpg

Noble and mighty (though not afraid to cry) I, Sir Palomides, am but a knight who rides strong and strongly armed with a sword at all times. I am rarely found not riding my horse. I am a dark man and want no part of the Christian religion (at least, for now). I have been smote down many a time and accused of many a crime, so I can't imagine you meeting me with a smile on my face. I wear dark cloaks and mysterious mail so to keep people guessing.

The Lady of the Lake (Nimue)

2005-09-29T14:57:00.000-04:00

Hello, it is Nimue again. I'm a plainly dressed woman, usually in a dress and robe with my hair pulled back. At most for the item I have with me is Merlin's spell book to which I'm still learning to become a powerful sorceress.

http://www.decourberon.com/merlin/images/arnimue.jpg

Isolde The Fair

2005-09-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

It is me, Isolde the Fair again. Clothes are very important to a Princess, and after marrying King Mark of Cornwall they are important to a Queen. Like most ladies of nobility, I wear long flowing dresses. These can be a naissance when trying to sneak out to my lover Tristan either in his chambers or out under a large tree by the water. While wearing these lovely clothes, many red... actually most of mine are red, which are usually more loose compared to today’s standard. This makes it easier to move around and also easier to push aside when swearing Oaths and being branded with hot irons. Though when protected by god because my Oath is true, hey just because it wasn't the complete truth is nothing to fuss about, hot irons don't really matter. However, when you are on the run from your husband with your lover (husband's nephew) because you think he is sending his men after you, clothes are the least of your concern, but I don't think I’ll speak anymore of that. It wasn't one of my finest hours or one of my happiest. But I have gone off topic, lets see, I think if I needed to describe how I looked, I would say I am a fair looking lady with long flowing hair (usually blonde but those artists don't always see what is right in front of them some of the time) who usually wears long red robes. And even the King of Cornwall fell in love with me on sight, and that was before he was given a little love potion to help him along. So as you can see I am not known as Isolde the Fair for nothing.

That image of me came from here: http://www.illusionsgallery.com/Tristan.html

2005-09-29T02:24:00.000-04:00

I am Merlin the awesome wizard. I dress up in clothing so majestic that would even put Britney Spears and Brad Pitt to shame. I usually wear on a long robe with stars, moons and unicorns embroidered onto it. I have a long hat which is in the shape of a cone. I carry a long staff, which I use to help me cast spells. I might remind of gandolff from ‘The Lord of the Ring’ movies.

http://www.mythicalrealm.com/legends/wizard.html

Sir Mordred the Traitor

2005-09-29T01:26:00.000-04:00

As some may know, I am a traitorous Knight of the Round Table who is quite deceitful as well. I love to create strife and conflict amongst any of those I can. I am crafty and love to play tricks on others. I even "borrow" others' armor to have a little fun with them. As for my own armor, I prefer it to be as black and as cold as the night sky. My stallion I ride is as black as the armor that adorns my body. Whereas most would prefer feathers or a flowing main from their helmet, I desire wings resembling those from a demon's back.

http://www.pittstate.edu/engl/nichols/arthur6.html

King Arthur

2005-09-29T00:54:00.000-04:00

I, King Arthur, am often seen leading my men into battle. I carry my sword, Excaliber along with a magical scabbard given to me by Nimue, the lady in the Lake at Avalon. As long as I wear the magical scabbard, I cannot be defeated.
My knights and I live in castles, and wear plate armor to compete in tournaments. In battle, I wear a silver breast-plate for protection. My armor is of the finest genuine Roman-style.

www.howarddavidjohnson.com/

Gawain: Description & Picture

2005-09-28T23:22:00.000-04:00

I, Sir Gawain, am the embodiment of a true noble knight. Even though it is not evident from the image shown here, I have characteristic neck-length hair, just like that of my fellow knights. However, unlike the majority of the knights I serve with, I am of medium build and by no means am considered robust in stature. However, please do not let my small build fool you because despite my size I am still very brave and very courageous. The armor I am wearing is of the finest quality and has been made to withstand the harshest of elements. This is especially important because I wore this particular armor during my journey to meet The Green Knight, which was during the cold and dreary month of November. This knightly fabric is also unique because it is embroidered with green birds and love knots. Further more, my battle attire also includes my shield which on the face of it has a gold pentangle, also known as the five-pointed star of Solomon, as well as a picture of St. Mary on the back of it. I am worthy of this particular shield because the star symbolizes trustworthiness and my belief in God.
http://www.norcov.com/brushworks/mideng/mideng.0.htm

Elaine

2005-09-28T22:22:00.000-04:00

I am the Lady Elaine, known to be a mysterious maiden hidden from many faces in a tower in an island near the river that flows down to Camelot. Since I spend a lot of time alone, I weave a tapestry of glimpses of Camelot that I see in my crystal mirror. I am fair in beauty and a humble woman.

My clothing is a characteristic of most maidens. Draping elegant dresses and long straight hair was my preferred look. I usually like to wear light innocent colors to depict my personality.

Picture borrowed from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:JohnWilliamsWaterhousesElaine.jpg

Balin (and his Two Swords)

2005-09-28T20:58:00.000-04:00

Although I may not have been one of the Knights of the Round Table, mainly because I lived in the time before Arthur and Guenevere were married and before the Knights of the Round Table were established, I was considered one of the greatest knights of Arthur’s Court. I thyself, am like many knights of Arthur’s Court in terms of the clothing and the armor that I wore, except for my most notable feature, my TWO swords. Unlike most knights I carried two swords. The second sword, which was enchanted and amazingly beautiful, I attained by removing it from it’s scabbard attached to the Lady Lile of Avelion after no other knights, including Author, could. I did not, however, return the sword to the lady, who then cursed me saying that I would kill the one I loved the most with the sword. At the time that I removed the sword I was youthful, but raggedly dressed because I was just released from jail after killing one of Arthur’s cousins in a joist. However, after removing the sword I was freed and my armor and horse were returned to me. I left the court in exile after decapitating the Lady of the Lake, who had wronged me by killing my mother and demanding my death. I left the court wearing my full armor suit with the shield bearing my crest. Unfortunately, in the many battles to come my shield was worn and before my last battle I took a new, larger shield, but it did not bear my crest, which ultimately lead to my undoing.

Photo Barrowed from: "The Story of Balin," http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/trt/trt06.htm.

Morgan Le Fey

2005-09-28T14:26:00.000-04:00

http://www.warband.org/poetry/morgan_and_merlin.htm
I am known by many names. I am known as the ruler of the mystical island of Avalon, the Fortunate Island of the Blessed Dead. Sometimes equated with the ancient Irish warrior goddess Morrigan, I am the Celtic death goddess. as Morgana Fata I am the controller of destinies and know the fate of each person. I am noted for her healing powers, my knowledge of healing plants, and my prophetic vision. Like a shaman I am a shape-shifter, and able to take on many forms. I have an angry and willful temperment. My temperment coupled with my powers as an enchantress is not a happy mix. I will use anything within my power to usurp my brother's throne. I have a fair complexion, long raven hair and piercing grey eyes. I have tried to seduce most of the Knights of the Round Table and depending on who is asked, I succeded. I am not known for my fidelity to my husband, but for my talent at seduction, which I have no qualms whatsoever in using to its fullest extent to gain whatever I want.

Guenevere, The Harlet of Camelot

2005-09-28T14:14:00.000-04:00

Yes, I am Guenever, Queen of Camelot, and have been depicted as a harlet and a "home-wrecker" (or should I say a "manor-wrecker"). The men who have loved me have loved me for my beauty and my sex appeal. I am usually seen in public with my husband and king, Arthur, but in private I am seen with my lover Lancelot. Later in history my beauty is compared to that of Helen of Troy, Cleopatra, and even Marlyn Monroe. So naturally I am full of myself and I believe I can get anything or anyone I want with just my looks. However, I am a good queen to my people but not to my husband.

Sir Lancelot

2005-09-28T13:40:00.001-04:00

As one of the Knights of the Round Table, I had many outfits in which I wore, and I was usually seen wearing armor. This in turn caused me to be known as serveral different men. I was known as the White Knight, the Black Knight and the Red Knight. Other names I was known by are Injured Knight, Knight of the Cart, Knight of the Litter, Winner. The reason I have so many names is due to the fact that I would always change my armor and shield from adventure to adventure. My horse, shield, and armor did not have a name attached to them, so I could remain ambiguous. I often used other people's horses during battles. I always have my sword, Secace, with me, as well as the emblem of the Knights of the Round Table worn around my neck. This was given to me by King Arthur, as well as to all the other Knights of the Round Table.

Photo courtesy of:
http://www.timelessmyths.com/arthurian/roundtable.html#Lancelot

Sir Percival: a description

2005-09-26T17:04:00.000-04:00

http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/eng/crt/crt33.htm

I, Sir Percival, have been said to be one of the most handsome knights. I have characteristic neck-length dark hair and, as is fitting of a skilled knight, I am of a strong build. When I first made my way to King Arthur's Court I was armed with little more than a lance, riding a less-than-brilliant horse. However, once a knight of the Round Table, my apparrel was much improved and I presently adorn garments becoming of a true knight. Long robes, mail, a sword, a shield, and a lance are common weapons to be adorned at most times when on horseback. Upon a quest or mission in which jousting or other fighting is anticipated, my robes are to be left behind and replaced with a full set of armor including a helmet.

Sir Kay the Tall

2005-09-25T21:30:00.000-04:00

I am epitaphed as "Sir Kay the Tall," due to my exceedingly noble stature. My height and strength have allowed me to be named a giant killer, and I have served at the side of King Arthur heroically during many a battle. I am, of course, ruggedly handsome, although some may tell you otherwise, as my devilishly good looks are often down-played, if not completely depleted, by my boarish and boastful nature. My attire is such that would suite a nobleman, and nothing less. I am often adorned with rich fabrics, and my appearance is respected by all as King Arthur's seneschal. My armor is fitting of a Knight of the Round Table, and has even been worn by Sir Lancelot on occasion. As for my sword, though it be not Excaliber, it has been stolen from me in jest by Sir Tristram in the forest.

Photo taken from:
Athurian Legends: Sir Kay. www.wol.pace.edu/.../ projs993a/arthurian/kay.htm

Question for 2nd Posts

2005-09-23T07:41:00.000-04:00

Ah....the experiment for the first week is over with. Some of the answers obviously are better and "more in character" than others. You can always go back and re-edit your entry, especially if at a later date you feel comfortable doing so.

Note: I have changed my mind about how you should continue to make posts. Since the "Create" post has full editing tools (and the comments help does not) you should continue with each week's answer as a New Post. If you feel like it, you can make comments to your fellow student's posts. Be helpful and courteous with your posts.

This week's question is in two parts:
Part I: What do you look like? Describe your appearance, your clothing, and the items you usually have with you. If you can not find a description of your "character" than make up a logical one. But there are descriptions, even in the Arthurian texts, of almost all of the characters.

Part II: Find a picture, painting or drawing that best describes how you see your character to be portrayed. Throughout history, artists have focussed on Arthurian knights and most, if not all, have had more than one image created of their appearance. Several movies have been made about the Arthurian myths as well. Remember your choice of picture has a lot to say about what you think of the person as well. No one image is correct, but this is asking for you to come up with the image that best describes the character as YOU see them.

If you have already found an image, please find a second one. Post the image along with your own description using the "Add Image" tool in the Create a Post tool bar.

Remember to include a webpage citation of where you acquired the picture from.

Lancelot

2005-09-22T16:22:00.000-04:00

I, Lancelot, am the son of King Ban of Benwick and Queen Elaine. I was raised by Vivien, the Lady of the Lake, as I was abandoned there as a child. She raised me and taught me the ways of knighthood. I am also known for my gentleness, courtesy, and courage.

I am mostly known because I was the first Knight of the Round Table and most would agree that I am the greatest fighter and swordsman of all the knights of the Round Table.

Sir Palomides, the Saracen

2005-09-22T14:12:00.000-04:00

My name is Sir Palomides (Palamides, Palamedes) the Saracen, and I am from Britain. My father is King Esclabor (Astlabor), and my mother is the daughter of a giant that was slain by King Arthur's men. They were wed only because he wasn't Christian, and she refused to change become Christian. I also have never desired to ce baptised Christian, but I am now as a condition of surrender to Sir Tristram, whom whom I shared a long rivalry. I have eleven brothers including Sir Safir and Sir Segwarides. I also have a sister named Florine. I'm most commonly known as the "Knight of the Questing Beast," for this is the name of the demonic creature I've spent much of my life pursuing (Don't worry; I got him).

Mordred: The bad dude

2005-09-22T13:35:00.000-04:00

My name is Mordred and I'm a product of the incest between Arthur himself and his (at the time unknown) half-sister Morgause, Queen of Orkney. I was raised by Morgause and King Lot until Arthur discovered his incest and I was put out to sea to die. I survived only to be raised Lord Nabur the Unruly.

Isolde The Fair

2005-09-21T23:45:00.000-04:00

Greetings. I am Princess Isolde. Some call me Isolde the Fair, but don't call me Isolde of the White Hands or Queen Isolde, they may have the same name but they are not me. My parents are King Gorman and Queen Isolde. I was born and live in Ireland.

Elaine

2005-09-21T22:23:00.000-04:00

I am the Grail Maiden Elaine. I am the daughter of King Pelles. I was born in Shallot.

Merlin the Magician

2005-09-21T20:29:00.000-04:00

Hi, i am Merlin the magician, prophet and advisor, to the administration of King Arthur's kingdom. I am the illegitimate son of a monastic Royal Princess of Dyfed. My father, it is said, was an angel who had visited the Royal nun and left her with child. While my enemies claim my father was really an incubus, an evil spirit that had intercourse with sleeping women. I have no idea where i was born :(

Sir Balin, "Balin Le Savage"

2005-09-21T18:00:00.000-04:00

Thy name is Sir Balin of Northumberland, brother to Balan, and sometimes referred to as "Balin Le Savage" and "The Knight with the Two Swords". I come from the great land to the north known as Northumberland. I was born of noble birth, hence my being a knight, but I have no idea as to whom I was born. I lived a tragic life, the likes of which I shall not divulge until the time is right.

Guenevere, Oueen of Camelot

2005-09-21T13:34:00.000-04:00

Hi, my name is Guenevere. I am the daughter of King Leodegrance of Cameliard in Malory, which is where I was supposedly born. I eventually become the wife of Arthur, king of Camelot and I become the lover of his first, best knight, Lancelot. I have been portrayed as the wicked woman whose love affair with Lancelot broke up the Round Table. I am sometimes called "Jenny" by Lancelot and I have ruined lives around me by affecting others who inturn hurt someone else (an example would be Elaine according to T.H. White).

Gawain Gwalltafwyn, King of Gododdin

2005-09-20T19:17:00.000-04:00

My name is Gawain Gwalltafwyn, King of Gododdin. I am the son of Lot, King of Orkney, and Morgause, or depending on the version of the story you hear my mother’s name could also be Anna (Geoffrey of Monmouth), the sister of King Arthur. Fearful of conceiving me out of wed lock, my mother hid her pregnancy from the public and I was born secretly in Britannia. While I was just a newborn, my mother gave custody of me to a merchant along with a royal gold signet ring and a letter, which in later years would be used to reveal my true identity. As time progressed, my care givers changed, but the fact about me not knowing the truth about my lineage did not. However, as fate would have it, I was eventually led back to my Uncle King Arthur’s court, in which I proved myself as a noble knight and earned the right to having the truth of my real identity bestowed upon me.

Pyle, Howard (1853-1911), "Sir Gawaine the Son of Lot, King of Orkney"
from: The Story of King Arthur and His Knights. New York: Scribner's, 1903.
http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/images/pylegaw.htm

Sir Percival, knight of The Round Table

2005-09-20T19:12:00.000-04:00

I, Sir Percival, am the son of King Pellinore (though some claim my father was either Sir Gawain or Sir Gahmuret). The identity of my mother is unknown, even to myself; one rumor identifies her as Lady Ragnell, while another names her as the Lady Hopewell (wife of Sir Gahmuret). These rumors, however, have never been confirmed. I know not the exact location of my birth, but soon after I was born I was brought to the Enchanted Forest (the Welsh Forests) by my mother, who hoped to shelter me from the world of the knights, the world that took my father's life. It was here, at the age of 15, that I had a chance meeting with a group of knights and, being in awe of their heroic and chivalrous presence, decided to become a knight myself. Following this meeting I traveled to King Arthur's court, proved myself as a skilled warrior, and was knighted and invited to join the Knights of the Round Table.

I led a childhood different from most of my fellow knights. Taken into the forests as a child, I was raised away from the world of kings, knights, and war. For example, my mother would not allow me to use any weapons save a small Scot's spear similar to a javelin (at which I became quite adept – I could hit the wing of a bird in flight). Despite this unfamiliarity with the physically demanding world of the knights, however, I, like my father, grew to be a strong, able, and noble man skilled in the ways of the knights. Although I lacked a true understanding of the world outside the forests, my curious nature, valiant countenance, chivalrous demeanor and respectful attitude aided my transition into King Arthur’s Court as a knight of the Round Table. In addition to these qualities described above, I have a strong attachment to my mother, who raised me alone until I was 15 years of age. From her I learned a strong respect for women and my fellow man. She taught me to always give aid to those in need and to take no more than I may need myself (unless necessary, and then to give freely what excess I may have as a result).

The beginning of King Arthur

2005-09-20T18:23:00.000-04:00

I am King Arthur: king, general, and guerilla warrior. Tintagel Castle in Cornwall is the place of my birth. I was born to King Uther Pendragon and Igranuye. My brother, Kay, and a foster parent became my guardians after the death of my parents.