Arthurian Tales

Arthurian legends have always fascinated audiences with the tales of courage and chivalrous knights. Audiences will always try to captured who Arthur might have been. Audience members are captivated by the characters and the qualities in the tale that they aspire to embody in their own lives. With time the legends adapt to the modern audience. The American audience takes specific liking to certain characters: King Arthur, Gawain and Sir Lancelot. Each of the three characters and legends engage the American audience in a different way.
King Arthur is an extremely captivating character. With every new tale about this hero, he is constantly changing. American audiences love change, with change in a character he is forever interesting to the reader. In some versions of the tale he is seen as generous and courageous, yet in other versions he is seen as determined and humble. These qualities are different, yet they are relatively similar. Arthur is faced with situations he was destined to encounter. The sword Excalibur is meant for Arthur, and only Arthur. The story of Arthur is especially captivating for the American audience because, even though is it obviously made up, there is a certain real feeling to this tale, people can relate more to a story the more real it is to them.
The story of Gawain and the Green Knight is also very intriguing to an American audience. Gawain is relatable because he isn’t outrageously confident. At first, Gawain refuses his call to action from the Green Knight. He has to undergo a journey, one in which he learns many things. Gawain is a cautionary tale that shows what happens when you lie. He was able to resist temptation, but when it came to his life, he wasn’t willing to risk giving up the girdle that would protect him. His selfishness and his greed did him no good. Some would say Gawain’s tale is a great lesson and teaches many. The tale teaches the audience as well as greatly entertains, which is why the tales remain so popular to this day.
To an American audience, the picture perfect knight is still to this day Sir Lancelot. He is the epitome of a traditional knight. He is brave, confident, and willing to fight at a moments notice. He is constantly called to adventure, and he doesn’t hesitate to take the call. He interests the American audience because he is determined to defeat anything that might come in his way. His determination and bravery are characteristics that any audience desires.
Arthurian legends will always be a popular choice. Every tale is a story that is suitable for any reader. The heroes in each tale have desirable qualities any reader would love to posses. There is a great joy in a tale that is relatable to a modern audience, yet also keeps history alive. The medieval fantasy that is Arthurian legends will continue to thrive and adapt to the modern culture.