A classic never fades. The Arthurian Legends are tales that will always be known and taught to future generations. It's funny that our teachers continue to teach us the legends of Arthur and the round table while in one story, "A Candle in the Wind", Arthur gives great responsibility to a young boy to pass down his story. It is as if the myth has come to life and will always live on because who can pass up a story of damsels in distress, a bit of magic, and knights in shining armor?
Many written works of art surfaced around the time of 1450 when "Morte d'Arthur" written by Sir Thomas Mallory was published. His story spoke of the tales and adventures of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Their compelling stories are filled with the magic of Merlin, the devious feats of Mordrid, and the back stabbing of Morgan Le Faye. People love reading about drama, it is addicting and interesting.
The Arthurian Legends not only include handsome young Lancelot, but they throw in a moral or lesson to be learned. One of my favorites, the story of Lady Ragnell, has a very sweet message towards women. Gawain is faced with a challenge from a mystical knight and it is to find out the truth of what women really desire. In a years time, Gawain must have the answer or else he will die. Long story short, he discovers the answer after marrying a grotesque woman of the forest who has the answer to what he is looking for. He marries her and in return for his nonjudgmental ways and he not judging the book by its cover, is surprised when a beautiful woman under a spell is revealed. The one thing woman desire most is to be given free will and the choice to do as they please. I think people enjoy reading insightful tales that can spice up their own lives and even make a few of them rethink the way they live. That is what I feel a story or book should do, question your own beliefs, make you think a little.
So if the Arthurian legends are continuing to be passed down through many different pieces of literature then chivalry really isn't dead.
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