The legends of King Arthur have become a pillar of both chivalric romance and English literature thanks in large measure to the work of Sir Thomas Malory, who compiled, synthesized, and beautifully recast the Arthurian legends in his marvelous work, Le Morte d&#8217;Arthur, the first comprehensive telling of King Arthur’s life in English prose.
Malory was a mysterious man. He lived an exuberant and distinguished life, marred by professional conflict and personal torment, and while the author of Le Morte d&#8217;Arthur identifies himself in the manuscript’s inscription as “Syr Thomas Maleore knyght,” his exact identity has been hotly debated by medievalists. Many agree that Malory likely spent much time in prison during the English War of Roses, and it is believed that he may have written Le Morte d&#8217;Arthur while incarcerated.
Le Morte d&#8217;Arthur retells the legend of King Arthur in chronological order from birth to death. These legends existed long before Malory could hold a pen and were popular in both Wales and France for their depictions of chivalry and courtly romance. When adapting these tales into English, however, Malory decided to take a different approach and instead focused on the brotherly love and loyalty of the Round Table. This focus on brotherhood likely led to Le Morte d&#8217;Arthur’s immediate success. The book was published during a time when England was being ripped apart over the succession of the throne. Malory’s focus on the importance of loyalty, and the pain of betrayal, reflected both the fears and values of his time. The chivalric foundation of these legends was also essential to shaping the idea of the “English gentleman” which would so strongly influence literature and life in the centuries to come.
Sir Thomas Malory died in 1471, although exact fate is unknown. Other, shorter texts have also been posited as his creations, but there is still much disagreement. No matter what, it cannot be disputed that Malory’s contribution was foundational to shaping England’s national identity and English literature as a whole.