Arthurian+Glossary


 * Duke: ** a male holding the highest hereditary title in peerages, or the northern European class system; highest rank of noble person below monarch/king


 * Earl: ** a member of nobility, also a royal governor of any of the large divisions of a kingdom; another word for a **count**


 * Baron: ** title of the third lowest rank of nobility; goes along with baroness; comes from “baro” meaning “man” in Latin


 * Knight: ** a man who served under a feudal superior as a mounted soldier in the Middle Ages, knights were the ones who fought in battles; knight meant "servant" in old English; usually from a higher class of society, but still part of the lower nobility


 * Squire: ** a shield barer or armor barer of a knight; a squire is referred to as a knight in training. A boy would become a page at 6 or 7, and then a squire at age 14, in his training to become a knight.


 * Cathedral: ** the highest ranked or principle church in a diocese or group of churches in the Catholic church system; a cathedral contains a bishop's throne. Most of them are big and include impressive architecture. Cathedrals were centers of life and power in the Middle Ages.


 * Bishop: ** a person of authority in the church above priests and deacons who supervises a number of local churches; an overseer of, in this case, a Catholic (Christian) church ; a bishop is in charge of a diocese or group of churches in a certain area


 * Dark Ages: ** early medieval period of western European history; about 476 to 1000 AD when there was no Roman Empire or other central power in control; major fighting between tribes led to advances in art, literature and science coming to a halt; a period of time where most of Europe's economies and technological advances fell back or regressed due to ongoing war and battles between various tribes; this period is followed by the Renaissance.


 * Middle Ages: ** a time period from 800-1500 AD; started with the fall of the Roman Empire; when most legends of Arthur were created and tales were most popular; known for blacksmithing, swords and King Arthur

a time period, but more specifically, a cultural movement that spanned from the late 1300's to the 1700's; started in Italy, then spread through Europe. it was the revival of art and literature and science, especially art and literature that mimicked that of ancient Greece and Rome.
 * Renaissance: ** word means rebirth; time period between 1400’s and 1700’s; science and arts became more important again


 * Camelot: ** a castle; first appeared in the legends of King Arthur in the 12th Century; it's location is unknown, and it is seen as a symbol of Arthur's realm and his rule; a castle and court associated with the legendary King Arthur; also referred to as a city, but it is a made-up, legendary place


 * Tintagel: ** a name of a castle and also a small town in Cornwall (southwestern tip of) England; the supposed birthplace of King Arthur


 * Uther Pendragon: ** father of King Arthur; nicknamed Pendragon or "head dragon" = foremost leader; after his brother's death, he became king, and fell for Igraine of Cornwall who was married to Gorlois, duke of Cornwall. Used Merlin's help to alter his appearance to woo Igraine, thus having to give their baby up to Merlin to keep in hiding.


 * Igraine of Cornwall: ** first married to Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall; tricked into having a baby with Uther Pendragon when he is king; mother of Arthur, Morgan le Fey, and Anna


 * Merlin: ** in Arthurian legend, Merlin is a magician and prophet who served as counselor to King Arthur; the legendary figure or wizard or sorcerer in Arthur's legend; often shown as an old man with a long beard a scepter; he is known for having special powers and the ability to see the future or predicting what will come. Arthur's protector and closest advisor.

in present-day central England , when it was inhabited by the Celts. King Arthur's realm
 * Logres: ** the portion of Britain,


 * Chivalry or Codes of Chivalry: **