Le Morte D'Arthur Q&A

Launcelot is widely hailed as the greatest knight in all of Arthur's court, but this status does not always remain with him. As the tale of the Knights of the Round Table progresses, the reader is introduced to other great knights the likes of Tristram, Percivale, Palomides, and finally Galahad. In this same time period, the reader can begin to notice a deterioration of Launcelot's character, and perhaps the author intends for the reader to connect his sins with Guenever to his ability as a knight. Launcelot encounters a hermit during the quest for the Sangreal who expressly tells him that he hasn't confessed his sins, and thus he could not achieve the Sangreal. Launcelot attempts to become a holy man, but even then he errs by choosing the wrong side of a battle since it demonstrates his pride.

Arthur becomes a great king by uniting all of the realms together under a singular authority, and by espousing the ideas of honor and chivalry among the population through his Knights of the Round Table. King Arthur creates a utopia in England and defends it fiercely from the influence of outsiders like the Roman Emperor.

The Knights of the Round Table met each year at Pentecost in Camelot to renew the oath of their fellowship. The knights held Justice, Loyalty, Chivalry, and Honor above all other virtues. They swore to be loyal to one another, and to King Arthur above all else. However, the knights of the Round Table were not always faithful to their oaths, yet most of them strived to do so.