Reading Notes: King Arthur Reading B

• Sir Galahad and the White Knight by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).
• Interesting start to the story. Almost instantly the story's plot of Galahad trying to attain a shield is revealed. 
• I like the detail of them attending Mass because it speaks to the culture of the times as well as being realistic considering they are in an Abbey
• The shield reminds me much of Excalibur and Mjolner 
• 'this shield can be hung round no Knight's neck unless he be the worthiest Knight in the world...' 
• I love the style of Andrew Lang. It seems modern enough to be understood clearly today but it still bears a resemblance to how I understand they talked back then
• White Knight appears to be a guardian, protector, and giver of the shield 
• Interesting that in this story, Galahad is called to and given the shield rather than him embarking on a quest for it or any such effort on Galahad's part
• I am not sure what the purpose of the lifting of the stone and the smoke and the figure is. Maybe to show Galahad's strength and holiness?? 
• Castle of Maidens is an interesting idea. I assume the maidens are similar to valkyries in Norse mythology perhaps? Meaning the Maidens are supposed to be great women warriors
• Sir Lancelot and the Five Hundred Knights 
  
• The battle of five hundred knights is a really cool piece of imagery to imagine. Knights in black and knights in white, all decked out it full armor and weapons clashing with each other. I do wish there was a little bit more details to the battle. 
• I really like the nun at the end and how she describes Lancelot's struggles as well as giving more meaning to the story. Her end dialogue is a great way to end the story. 
• Sir Galahad and the Mysterious Ship 
  
• Interesting start to the story with Galahad following the lead of a gentlewoman
• It seems that Sir Galahad's reputation precedes him with Sir Bors and Sir Percivale
• What a twist! The gentlewoman is Percivale's sister 
• Curious is she knew that before her and Galahad got on the ship. I would assume the gentlewoman knew and Galahad was part of her plan to reach Percivale 
• So no Galahad yields to weapons that no one else can yield. First the shield, and no this sword. Galahad really must be the grandest knight of all 
• Sad ending the gentlewoman died, but it seems like she gave her life so another could live. A very selfless and honorable death to have. 
• I like the idea of a mysterious ship and mysterious adventures 

A Knight's Adventures