The Legend of King Arthur TEDTalk

Who is the author of Le Morte d'Arthur?

• Geoffrey Chaucer

• William Shakespeare

• Sir Thomas Malory

• John Milton

Answer explanation

Le Morte d'Arthur, a seminal work about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, was authored by Sir Thomas Malory in the 15th century. The other authors listed are known for different literary works.

What does the inscription on Arthur's gravestone say?

• Here lies Arthur, Protector of the Realm.

• Here rests Arthur, Lord of the Isles.

• Here lies Arthur, the Brave Knight.

• Here lies Arthur, King of the Britons.

Answer explanation

The correct inscription on Arthur's gravestone is "Here lies Arthur, King of the Britons." This title reflects his legendary status as a unifying figure in British folklore, distinguishing him from other titles listed.

In which century was Le Morte d'Arthur written?

• 13th century

• 15th century

• 16th century

• 14th century

Answer explanation

Le Morte d'Arthur was written by Sir Thomas Malory and published in 1485, placing it in the 15th century. This work is a significant compilation of Arthurian legends, making the 15th century the correct answer.

What is the significance of Excalibur in Arthurian legend?

• Excalibur is a magical sword that grants immortality.

• Excalibur was forged by the Lady of the Lake to defeat dragons.

• Excalibur symbolizes King Arthur's rightful sovereignty and divine authority in Arthurian legend.

• Excalibur represents the unity of the Knights of the Round Table.

Answer explanation

Excalibur symbolizes King Arthur's rightful sovereignty and divine authority, representing his legitimacy as king and his connection to the mystical elements of leadership in Arthurian legend.

What historical event led to the rise of King Arthur's legend?

• The power struggles in post-Roman Britain.

• The signing of the Magna Carta.

• The establishment of the Tudor dynasty.

• The Norman Conquest of England.

Answer explanation

The rise of King Arthur's legend is rooted in the power struggles in post-Roman Britain, where various leaders vied for control, creating a backdrop for tales of a heroic figure uniting the Britons.

Which group of invaders threatened Britain after the Romans left?

• Celts

• Normans

• Saxons, Angles, and Jutes

• Vikings

Answer explanation

After the Romans left Britain, the Saxons, Angles, and Jutes invaded, establishing settlements and significantly influencing British culture. The other groups mentioned came later in history.

What is Camelot in the context of King Arthur's story?

• Camelot is King Arthur's castle and court.

• Camelot is a famous battle fought by King Arthur.

• Camelot is the name of King Arthur's sword.

• Camelot is a mythical creature in Arthurian legend.

Answer explanation

Camelot is known as King Arthur's castle and court, serving as the central location for his reign and the gathering place for his knights. The other options do not accurately represent Camelot in Arthurian legend.

Who was King Arthur's queen?

• Isolde

• Guinevere's sister

• Guinevere

• Morgana

Answer explanation

King Arthur's queen is Guinevere, a central figure in Arthurian legend known for her beauty and tragic love story with Lancelot. Isolde and Morgana are other characters, but they are not Arthur's queen.

What is the Round Table?

• A legendary table in Arthurian legend symbolizing equality among King Arthur's knights.

• A table used for medieval banquets.

• A famous restaurant in Camelot.

• A round dining table used by King Arthur's family.

Answer explanation

The Round Table is a legendary table from Arthurian legend that symbolizes equality among King Arthur's knights, allowing them to sit together without hierarchy, unlike the other options which do not capture this significance.

What type of poetry contains the earliest references to Arthur?

• Old Welsh poetry

• Middle English poetry

• Modernist poetry

• Romantic poetry

Answer explanation

Old Welsh poetry contains the earliest references to Arthur, particularly in works like the 'Gododdin' and 'Y Gododdin', which date back to the 6th century, long before the later Middle English and Romantic poetry.