King Arthur: History and Legend

Uncover the richness of the Arthurian tradition from the Middle Ages to the 21st century in this wide-ranging and fascinating survey of Arthurian literature and art.

Overview

Course No. 2376

Professor Armstrong, editor-in-chief of Arthuriana, guides you through 24 lectures exploring:

• The historical roots of Arthur in post-Roman Britain
• Medieval masterpieces like Chrétien de Troyes’ romances
• Malory’s definitive Le Morte Darthur
• Victorian revivals and modern adaptations

From Celtic myths to Hollywood films, trace how this enduring legend evolved across cultures while maintaining its core themes of chivalry, destiny, and the human condition.

Video Lectures

Part 1: Historical Foundations

1-3. Origins and Early Texts (30-32 min)
Archaeological evidence, Latin chronicles, Welsh Mabinogion.

4-6. Medieval Developments (30-31 min)
Geoffrey of Monmouth’s history, Wace’s Round Table, Layamon’s English version.

Part 2: Continental Traditions

7-12. French and German Adaptations (30-32 min)
Lancelot’s creation, Grail quests, Tristan sagas, Scandinavian versions.

Part 3: English Masterpieces

13-16. Middle English Classics (29-32 min)
Gawain and the Green Knight, Alliterative Morte Arthure, Malory’s compilation.

Part 4: Modern Transformations

17-24. Renaissance to Present (28-32 min)
Spenser’s allegory, Tennyson’s Idylls, Wagner’s operas, Hollywood films.