The Round Table

By Crusader1307

The origins of the Legendary ''Round Table'', around which Arthur and His Knights sat around, is actually not a component of Thomas Malory's “Le Morte d'Arthur”, but Robert Wace's (Norman Poet) “Roman de Rou” in the 12th Century. He based this on the previous Legends of Arthur's “Great Hall” in which he and his Knights met. Other examples (both written and Oral), may have played a part in Malory's more iconic and well known Tale. Devised by Arthur specifically to be Round, the reasoning was that no one Knight sitting at The Great Table sat at a “Head”, and were thus – equals to each other. However, not to be undone, Arthur's “Chair” was much larger and more embellished that the others (befitting a King). Designed to accommodate as many as 30 Knights, The Round Table was of massive proportions. It was no doubt constructed of two large pieces of Oak (a common regional wood). Many depictions throughout History have given The Table a myriad of descriptions of how it was decorated (from plain and simple, to very finely decorated and painted). The Round Table, which symbolized Arthur's Knightly Order (The Knights of The Round Table), was slightly altered later by Writers. To incorporate the personage of Court Magician and Wizard Merlin, Arthur was said to have ordered a large opening carved into the center of The Table. The Table would assume the name of The “Siege Perilous”. Merlin was afforded this “honored position”. Later, Arthur assigned the Title of “Perfect Knight” to sit in the center. This was held by The Grail Quest Knight, Sir Percival.