One thing that struck me as I read The Death of King Arthur was how the tradition of honor superseded reason, sense, and even national stability. In the beginning of the story this phenomenon is demonstrated by Arthur’s decision to have Guinevere burnt, even though it meant that the nation and roundtable would be broken by the alienation of Sir Lancelot and his kith and kin. Honor dictated that an unfaithful queen should be burn, so she was burnt, despite the wise advice of moderation given by Sir Gawain.
Another intriguing aspect of this tale is the fraternity of knighthood. Not only are many of the knights related by blood; they are also bound in brotherhood by alliances, past quests, and knightings. Their fraternity is rooted in honor