"I dare not kiss so lovely a lady. I have but one heart to lose." (1995 First Knight, Jerry Zucker) says Lancelot. This one sentence can make almost any woman melt. Novels involving love, grab and hold the attention of many readers. A good love story can sometimes bring the reader into a whole new realm and take them out of reality. Although love plays a big part in the plot of the Arthurian legend, chivalry is also incorporated in many ways. Today, the statement "chivalry is dead", is used very often and any woman would certainly agree. Men are not as courteous as they were back in the Medieval era. Women are not asking men to kill others, risk their own lives in battle or serve them like slaves; they simply wish men would hold doors, call them by a proper name or help them across a large puddle once in a while. The Arthurian legends let women believe men were, at some point, respectful.
Speaking of respect, a knight would not be appreciated if he could not hold up his end in a fight. Winning one-on-one battles, or any battle for that matter, would win a knight the respect of people across the land. "In answer the other knight drew his sword. Sir Lancelot did likewise and they rushed together. With his first stroke Sir Lancelot split open the knight's head, down to the throat." (Le Morte D'Arthur, Malory). It was near impossible, and unacceptable, to walk away from a battle; they would most certainly be shunned by all. Reading about the blood and gore that shows up frequently in the Arthurian legend, has kept people interested for many years. Sometimes the battles and descriptions seem so vivid, it could pass for non-fiction. People want to believe the legends are somewhat true.
Unfortunately, throughout the legends, the promises of peace were not true. Some kings fought for peace while others thrived off of their many battles. The chance of whether or not there would be peace amongst kingdoms keeps people reading too. "The cannons of his adversary were thundering in the tattered morning when the Majesty of England drew himself up to meet the future with a peaceful heart." (The Once and Future King, White). What a way to end a book. It makes one wonder; was there peace? Did Arthur remain king? The questions and topics of love, chivalry, battles and peace will remain to endure the test of time. Will you spread the legend?
