Betrayal in Malory's Le Morte D’Arthur

Malory Paper

Malory's Le Morte D’Arthur isn't known to be classic just because of Arthur-but rather the themes of family, love, revenge, identity, loyalty and betrayal. As King, Arthur is put in many situations that test the people he surrounds himself with. Therefore, betrayal has become a reoccurring theme. Throughout the novel, people are seen betraying each other. Betrayal has become familiar in a way to the members of the round table, ultimately leading to it's demise. The acts of betrayal occur in various forms, whether it be through adultery or just going behind the other person's back. Regardless of how it happens it brings about serious disorder for all involved.

The first of act of real betrayal is seen towards the beginning of the novel committed by Sir Accalon of Gaul and Morgan Le Fey. King Arthur under the impression that he and Accalon were friends, had no idea that Accalon was planning on killing him. But the even worse was the fact his sister spearheaded the whole thing. At this point Arthur is being betrayed by his Knight and his sister. Morgan was the one who seduced Accalon into the idea of becoming the strongest knight and giving him this false confidence. His false perception of strength came from the fact that Morgan gave him sword of Excalibur. Arthur finds out and says, “But I fele by thy wordis that thou haste agreed to the deth of my persone: and therefore thou art a traytoure – but I wyte the lesse, for my sistir Morgan le Fay by hir false crauftis made the to agré to hir fals lustis. (Malory 90) In theses lines Arthur is forgiving

Mammen 2

Accalon for his actions and names Morgan Le Fey as the real culprit and therefore forgives Accalon. After he pleads and cries to the king. Ma...

... middle of paper ...

...killed. At the hand of Mordred, Arthur kills him and is seriously wounded.

The theme of betrayal is far more than knight’s betraying their kings and wives their husbands but family betraying family. It was especially tragic when it came to Mordred’s betrayal. He not only betrayed his father but died by his father hands because he did so. In the end, betrayal was present in both the relationship between Lancelot, Gwenyvere and Arthur and Trystrames, Isoud and King Mark. Although the adultery that was committed between Isoud and Trystrames was in some way justifiable it still was a betrayal for King Mark. In many ways the story added the way it started-with deception. Just like Morgan Le Fey, Mordred wanted Arthur out of the picture. Therefore presence of betrayal is what

Mammen 5

ultimately lead to the downfall of the Knights of the round table.