Throughout the Arthurian legends, king Arthur is portrayed as a character with a great capacity for love. He is viewed as a loyal and caring lord; not only for his people but also for his dream, Camelot. In the movie "The First Knight", King Arthur expresses his aptitude of love for Guinevere and Camelot.
King Arthur shows his love for Guinevere throughout the entire movie. The first example of his caring for Guinevere takes place before the royal couple is even wed. Arthur, showing his knightly chivalry, asked Lady Guinevere, woman to man if she really wanted to marry. This action shows Arthur's true love for Guinevere, because if it were lust he were after, he might have just taken what he wanted. The next example of Arthur's love for Guinevere is shown when Arthur allows her to voice her own opinions and views when she is sitting with the knights of the round table. Specifically, when the terror, Malagant, offers an unjust treaty to Guinevere and her people, and Arthur asks Guinevere's opinion and backs her fully. Arthur clearly shows his love to Guinevere by the level of respect to her as a woman that was not usually shown during this time period. The final and greatest way that Arthur shows his love for Guinevere takes place at the end of the movie on Arthur's deathbed. Arthur forgives Guinevere for committing adultery with Lancelot. This shows that Arthur's love for Guinevere is true and is not blinded by his anger or jealousy.
King Arthur is synonymous Camelot. Arthur's dream is realized when the great city of Camelot is constructed. Arthur shows his love to Camelot many times in this movie. It is easy to recognize his love in the scene where he meets Lady Guinevere at night and he gazes at the beautiful city in aw, knowing it stands for what is right and true. His love for Camelot is also shown when Malagant comes to the round table and mocks the idea of Camelot and brotherhood.
