The Lady of Shalott - Lesson 1 - The Legend of King Arthur PowerPoint

The captivating tale of King Arthur is explored in an educational resource that delves into the distinction between historical fact and legendary fiction. The lesson begins by prompting students to distinguish between real historical figures, such as Henry VIII, and legendary characters like Robin Hood. It encourages critical thinking about the nature of historical evidence, contrasting it with the way legendary characters are typically conveyed through stories, songs, and poems. Students are challenged to expand their knowledge by adding more names to the lists of historical and legendary figures and to organize their understanding of the legend of King Arthur using a spider diagram.

Further engaging with the Arthurian legend, the lesson invites students to consider whether King Arthur and the fabled city of Camelot are rooted in history or myth. Interactive learning is facilitated through short films and a video about the origins of the King Arthur story, followed by a transcript-based worksheet with questions to deepen understanding. The resource delves into the transformation of the King Arthur narrative over the centuries, highlighting contributions from Geoffrey of Monmouth, the French poets Wace and Chrétien de Troyes, and Sir Thomas Malory, whose work "Le Morte d'Arthur" remains a cornerstone of the legend. As a homework task, students are encouraged to research and complete a drawing of the Round Table, identifying nine additional knights to accompany Sir Lancelot.