King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
by Sir Thomas Malory

Name: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
Author: Sir Thomas Malory

Sir Thomas Malory's *Le Morte d'Arthur* is a collection of tales about the legendary King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. It is a rich tapestry of medieval romance, chivalry, and magic, woven together through a series of epic quests, battles, and love affairs. The book explores themes of honor, betrayal, fate, and the enduring power of love, all set against the backdrop of a mythical kingdom. Malory's prose, though originally written in Middle English, is often poetic and evocative, capturing the spirit of the Arthurian legends.

'King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table' Summary

The story begins with the birth of King Arthur, conceived through magic and raised in secret. He claims the throne by pulling the magical sword from the stone, Excalibur, and establishes his court at Camelot. Arthur gathers noble knights, including Lancelot, Galahad, Gawain, and Tristan, and they vow to uphold the ideals of chivalry, justice, and righteousness. Their adventures involve quests for the Holy Grail, battles against evil forces, and the pursuit of courtly love. However, the story is also marked by tragedy, betrayal, and the ultimate downfall of Camelot. Lancelot's forbidden love for Queen Guinevere, Mordred's treachery, and Arthur's tragic death all contribute to the destruction of the kingdom. Ultimately, *Le Morte d'Arthur* offers a poignant reflection on the fragility of honor, the destructive nature of passion, and the bittersweet beauty of legend.