Sir Galahad: From Malory’s Chivalric Hero to Kierkegaard’s Knight of Faith

This thesis examines the character of Sir Galahad, renowned as the purest knight of King Arthur's Round Table, within the context of medieval literature, specifically focusing on Sir Thomas Malory's magnum opus, Le Morte d'Arthur. The analysis is centered on the narrative of the Holy Grail, the sole part where Galahad prominently features, leading up to his ascension to the heavens. following this, the study turns to Søren Kierkegaard's existential work, Fear and Trembling, where the concept of the "knight of faith" is explored. By comparing Galahad’s chivalric and spiritual journey with Kierkegaard’s philosophical ideas, this research seeks to determine whether Galahad can be seen as a knight of faith, thus blending medieval chivalric ideals with existentialist philosophy. The aim is to determine if Galahad could be seen not only as the epitome of medieval knighthood but also as a paragon of true faith according to Kierkegaard's definition. This interdisciplinary approach aims to connect medieval literature and chivalric values with existential philosophy, offering a fresh perspective on Sir Galahad's character and his spiritual significance.