Morte d'Arthur by Alfred Tennyson: A Simple Summary

 Morte d'Arthur by Alfred Tennyson: A Simple Summary

Alfred Tennyson’s Morte d’Arthur is a famous poem. It tells the story of King Arthur’s final moments. This article explains the poem in simple words. It is easy to read and understand. Let’s dive into the story, themes, and importance of this classic work.

What Is Morte d’Arthur?

Morte d’Arthur means “The Death of Arthur” in French. Tennyson wrote this poem in 1833–1834. It was later published in 1842. The poem is part of a larger work called Idylls of the King. It retells the legend of King Arthur, a mythical British king. The story is based on older tales, like those by Sir Thomas Malory. Tennyson’s version is poetic and emotional. It captures the end of Arthur’s life and his legendary kingdom.

The Story of Morte d’Arthur

The Final Battle

The poem begins after a great battle. King Arthur fights his enemy, Mordred. Mordred is Arthur’s nephew and a traitor. The battle happens at Lyonesse, a mythical place. Arthur’s loyal knight, Sir Bedivere, is with him. Most of Arthur’s other knights are dead. The battle leaves Arthur badly wounded. He knows his time is near.

Arthur’s Last Command

Arthur speaks to Sir Bedivere. He tells him to take his sword, Excalibur, to a lake. Excalibur is a magical sword. It was given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake. Arthur orders Bedivere to throw the sword into the water. This is a test of loyalty. Bedivere struggles with the command. He loves the sword and hesitates. He hides Excalibur and lies to Arthur twice. Each time, Arthur knows Bedivere is not telling the truth. Finally, Bedivere obeys. He throws Excalibur into the lake. A mysterious hand catches the sword and pulls it under.

Arthur’s Departure

Arthur is dying. He asks Bedivere to carry him to the lake. There, a barge appears. It carries three queens dressed in black. They weep for Arthur. The queens take Arthur onto the barge. Bedivere is left alone on the shore. He watches as the barge sails away. Arthur is taken to Avalon, a magical island. The poem ends with Bedivere mourning. He feels lost without his king. The future is uncertain.

Key Themes in Morte d’Arthur

Loyalty and Duty

Loyalty is a big theme in the poem. Sir Bedivere struggles to follow Arthur’s command. He loves the sword and doesn’t want to lose it. But Arthur values obedience. Bedivere’s final act of throwing Excalibur shows his loyalty. The poem teaches that duty is important, even when it’s hard.

The End of an Era

The poem shows the fall of Arthur’s kingdom. His knights are gone. His dream of a perfect kingdom is over. Tennyson uses this to show how all things end. Even great leaders like Arthur cannot last forever. The poem feels sad but also hopeful. It suggests new beginnings may come after loss.

Mortality and Legacy

Arthur faces death in the poem. He accepts it calmly. His journey to Avalon hints at a life beyond death. The poem explores how people leave a legacy. Arthur’s story lives on, even after he is gone. Tennyson shows that great deeds are remembered.

Why Is Morte d’Arthur Important?

Tennyson’s Style

Tennyson was a master poet. His words are simple yet powerful. He uses vivid images, like the lake and the barge. The poem feels like a painting. It is easy to imagine the scenes. Tennyson’s style makes the story emotional and timeless.

Connection to Arthurian Legends

The poem is part of a long tradition. King Arthur’s stories have been told for centuries. Tennyson drew from Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, written in the 1400s. Malory’s work is a key source for Arthurian tales. Tennyson’s poem keeps this tradition alive. It brings the story to a new audience.

Historical Context

Tennyson wrote during the Victorian era. This was a time of change in England. People were interested in history and legends. Tennyson’s poem reflects this. It celebrates England’s past. It also speaks to universal feelings, like loss and hope. This makes it relatable even today.

Key Characters in the Poem

King Arthur

Arthur is the hero. He is brave, wise, and kind. Even when dying, he stays strong. He trusts Bedivere to follow his orders. Arthur represents the ideal king. His death is a tragic moment.

Sir Bedivere

Bedivere is Arthur’s last loyal knight. He is torn between love for Excalibur and duty to Arthur. His struggle makes him human. In the end, he chooses loyalty. Bedivere’s sadness at the end shows his love for Arthur.

Mordred

Mordred is the villain. He betrays Arthur and causes the final battle. He is not a major character in the poem. But his actions lead to Arthur’s death.

The Three Queens

The queens appear at the end. They take Arthur to Avalon. They are mysterious and magical. Their presence adds a sense of wonder to the story.

Symbolism in Morte d’Arthur

Excalibur

The sword is a symbol of power. It represents Arthur’s rule. Throwing it away shows the end of his reign. The hand catching the sword suggests magic and mystery.

The Lake and Avalon

The lake and Avalon are magical places. They represent the unknown. Arthur’s journey to Avalon hints at life after death. It gives the story a spiritual tone.

The Barge

The barge carries Arthur away. It symbolizes his departure from the world. It also suggests a peaceful end to his life.

Why Read Morte d’Arthur Today?

Tennyson’s poem is still relevant. It tells a timeless story of loyalty and loss. The language is beautiful and easy to understand. The themes connect with modern readers. People still face questions about duty and endings. The poem also inspires with its hope for new beginnings.

Reading Morte d’Arthur introduces you to Arthurian legends. It’s a great starting point for exploring these stories. The poem is short but powerful. It leaves a lasting impression.

How to Enjoy the Poem

To enjoy Morte d’Arthur, read it slowly. Pay attention to the images Tennyson creates. Imagine the lake, the barge, and the queens. Think about Bedivere’s feelings. You can also listen to audio versions. Many actors read the poem with emotion. This brings the story to life.

If you want to learn more, read Idylls of the King. It expands on Arthur’s story. You can also explore Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur. It gives a fuller picture of the legend.

Conclusion

Morte d’Arthur by Alfred Tennyson is a beautiful poem. It tells the story of King Arthur’s death. The poem is about loyalty, loss, and hope. It uses simple words and vivid images. It connects to ancient legends but feels fresh today. Whether you love poetry or history, this poem is worth reading. It reminds us that even in sad times, there is beauty and meaning.