User:Odinatra/Round Table heraldry

The attributed arms of the Knights of the Round Table were a significant element in medieval heraldry. The identification of individuals from the Arthurian legends with particular arms is evidenced from as early as the 12th century (Loomis 1938, 47). For most part arms were arbitrarily set, with first attempt to being made (consult the article when). By 15th century, a definitive unified system emerged in France in so called Armagnac armorials (add better description of their use in tourneys). Over time other armorials, while retaining Armagnac core, added more arms, with Michael Pastoreu estimating close to 200 such arms. Being made for knight's tournaments taking place in Arthur's court( need better wording) meant that a number of characters never gotten one, like Merlin, Uther Pendragon, Mark or for women characters. They can be found in other, non Armagnac armorials, however. Conversely a lot of obscure knights have gotten arms, to allow greater amount of tournament paticipation.

The following list, comprising 181 arms, is based on that of 178 arms produced by Michel Pastoureau, concentrating particularly on Armagnac system. Additional arms, as well as variations of existing ones were added from other traditions, with their sources described in references. This is the largest such list available, although it is also incomplete. . Greater arms are based on (insert manuscript).

Note on color pourpure - in heraldry at the time it was not defined color, (see also arms of Leon). Based on other description it is portrayed here as crimson.(example of poupores variations here)

Notes and references
Unless otherwise mentioned the above blazons are from Michel Pastoureau's "Armorial des chevaliers de la table ronde" as listed on the OLDJP website