King Arthur

Arthur's ability to envision and create a new social order through the Round Table demonstrates significant imagination. In T.H. White's 'The Once and Future King,' Arthur is portrayed as an innovative thinker, imagining and implementing new concepts of governance and justice. His quests and the magical elements of his story, while perhaps embellished by storytellers, still suggest a character associated with imaginative thinking and visionary leadership.

Arthur's implementation of new systems of governance and justice, as well as his engagement with the spiritual quest for the Holy Grail, demonstrate a keen interest in abstract ideas. In various retellings of the legend, including modern interpretations like Marion Zimmer Bradley's 'The Mists of Avalon,' Arthur is often portrayed grappling with abstract concepts of leadership, morality, and the greater good.

Arthur's creation of the Round Table and his establishment of a code of chivalry demonstrate his ability to grasp and implement abstract concepts of equality, justice, and honor. In philosophical discussions portrayed in works like T.H. White's 'The Once and Future King,' Arthur engages with complex ideas about power, justice, and the nature of man, showing a clear ability to understand and work with abstract concepts.

Arthur's vision of a just and chivalrous society, embodied in the concept of the Round Table, demonstrates a capacity for imagination. In T.H. White's 'The Once and Future King,' Arthur is portrayed as an idealistic and innovative thinker, imagining new ways of governance and justice. His quests and the magical elements of his story also suggest a world shaped by vivid imagination, though it's unclear how much of this is attributed to Arthur himself versus the storytellers.

While Arthur is generally portrayed as a strong and positive figure, the tragedies in his life would likely cause him to experience sadness. The betrayal by Lancelot and Guinevere, the rebellion of Mordred, and the eventual fall of Camelot are all events that would cause significant distress. In works like Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur,' Arthur's sorrow in these moments is palpable, suggesting he does experience periods of feeling 'blue.'

While Arthur faces many challenges as king, he is often portrayed as maintaining a calm and composed demeanor. In Chrétien de Troyes' Arthurian romances, Arthur is frequently depicted presiding over his court with a relaxed authority. However, the constant threats to his kingdom and personal tragedies in his life suggest that he couldn't be entirely relaxed at all times.

Arthur is typically depicted as a model of kingly composure and patience. In various tellings of the legend, including T.H. White's 'The Once and Future King,' Arthur faces numerous challenges and disappointments with a steady demeanor. His measured response to conflicts, such as the tensions between his knights or threats to his kingdom, consistently portrays him as level-headed rather than easily upset.

Arthurian legends generally portray Arthur as a stable and composed leader. In works like Sir Thomas Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur,' Arthur maintains his composure through various challenges and crises. Even in moments of great personal turmoil, such as the betrayal by Lancelot and Guinevere, Arthur is often depicted as maintaining a sense of dignity and emotional control, rather than displaying frequent mood swings.

Arthur is consistently portrayed as a capable and successful leader who brings order and prosperity to his kingdom. In chronicles such as Geoffrey of Monmouth's work, Arthur is described as a great king who expands his realm and maintains peace. While some versions of the legend end with the fall of Camelot, this is usually attributed to factors beyond Arthur's control rather than his mismanagement.

While not directly addressed in most Arthurian legends, Arthur's character as a responsible and organized leader suggests this would be inaccurate. In stories where Arthur's youth is detailed, such as T.H. White's 'The Sword in the Stone,' he is often portrayed as attentive and careful, traits that would likely extend to maintaining order in his surroundings. His careful preservation of Excalibur, returning it to the Lady of the Lake at the end of his reign in many versions of the legend, further supports this assessment.

Arthur's establishment of the Round Table and his efforts to bring peace and justice to Britain demonstrate a strong preference for order. In Geoffrey of Monmouth's 'Historia Regum Britanniae,' Arthur is portrayed as a civilizing force, establishing laws and a structured court. His quest for the Holy Grail, as depicted in various sources, also suggests a desire for spiritual and moral order in his kingdom.

While not typically depicted doing mundane chores, Arthur is often portrayed as a proactive and responsible leader. In T.H. White's 'The Once and Future King,' young Arthur (known as Wart) is shown to be diligent in his tasks under Merlin's tutelage. As a king, his prompt attention to matters of state and quick response to threats to his kingdom suggest a tendency to address tasks promptly.

The entire concept of the Round Table and Arthur's role as a just king revolve around his interest in and commitment to addressing the problems of others. In many Arthurian tales, such as those found in the Welsh Mabinogion, Arthur is portrayed as a problem-solver, often intervening in disputes or sending his knights on quests to aid those in need. His interest in others' problems is a fundamental aspect of his character across various iterations of the legend.

Arthur's legendary status as a just and beloved king directly contradicts this statement. His creation of the Round Table, as described in various medieval texts, demonstrates his interest in fostering a community of knights and his concern for their welfare. In Sir Thomas Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur,' Arthur frequently shows keen interest in the quests and personal lives of his knights, further illustrating his engagement with others.

While Arthur is generally portrayed as an empathetic leader, the degree to which he feels others' emotions varies in different accounts. In some versions, such as in Marion Zimmer Bradley's 'The Mists of Avalon,' Arthur is depicted as keenly aware of the emotional states of those around him, particularly in his complex relationships with Guinevere and Lancelot. However, his role as king often requires him to maintain a certain emotional distance.

Arthur is often portrayed as a compassionate ruler who cares for his subjects and knights. In Chrétien de Troyes' Arthurian romances, Arthur is depicted as understanding and supportive of his knights' quests and personal struggles. However, his sympathy is balanced with his role as a king, which sometimes requires him to make decisions that may not align with individual feelings.

As the central figure of Arthurian legend, King Arthur is consistently portrayed as a prominent and visible leader. In virtually all accounts, from Geoffrey of Monmouth's 'Historia Regum Britanniae' to modern adaptations, Arthur is at the forefront of events, leading his knights, making crucial decisions, and embodying the ideals of kingship. His pulling of the sword from the stone, a pivotal moment in many versions of the legend, symbolizes his destined prominence.

As a king and leader, Arthur would have been required to speak frequently to command, make decisions, and inspire his followers. In works like 'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White, Arthur is portrayed as eloquent and often engages in lengthy discussions on topics of chivalry, justice, and governance. His speeches to rally troops before battles are also common elements in Arthurian literature.

Arthur's role as king and his leadership of the Knights of the Round Table would necessitate frequent interaction with diverse individuals. The concept of the Round Table itself, where knights gathered as equals, implies Arthur's willingness and ability to engage with many different people. In various Arthurian legends, such as those recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth, Arthur is depicted as hosting grand feasts where he converses with knights, nobles, and visitors from various lands.

As a legendary king and leader, Arthur would likely have been charismatic and able to draw attention in social settings. The tales of the Round Table depict him as a central figure in gatherings, though not necessarily in a boisterous way. For example, in Thomas Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur,' Arthur is often portrayed as the focal point of feasts and celebrations at Camelot, suggesting he could indeed be 'the life of the party' in a regal, commanding manner.