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I've established a new order of knighthood, here at the Farm, dedicated to the ancient ideals of chivalry. Only the greatest heroes, the best of the best, need apply.
~ Rose Red to the message birds, Fables #132 — "Bird Calls: Part Two of Camelot"


The Knights of the Round Table, also known as the Round Table and (in the current incarnation) the Order of the Red Rose, is an organization originally based in Camelot, consisting of Fable knights. It debuts in flashbacks in Fables #62 — "The Good Prince, Chapter Three: Knighthood."

This organization comes in two incarnations. The first incarnation was led by King Arthur Pendragon. Under his leadership, Camelot became a benchmark of chivalry, admired throughout Christendom and beyond, even by those with pagan beliefs. Unfortunately, this glorious period came to an end due to internal conflicts and strife among the knights.[4]

Centuries later, the organization was reborn in the mundy world, under the leadership of Rose Red in New Camelot, located on the Farm in Upstate New York. The goal of this new incarnation is to support other Fables and worlds. Additionally, the organization was founded upon the idea to offer second chances to villains who have committed misdeeds, hoping they can redeem themselves and contribute to a better world.[5]

History

Original Knights of the Round Table

The Lady of the Lake emerged from the water and presented the enchanted sword Excalibur to Arthur Pendragon while he sat in a rowboat with the wizard Merlin. She urged him to take up the sword and fulfill his destiny as the rightful king of Camelot.[6] Under King Arthur's leadership, the kingdom of Camelot established a benchmark for chivalry that was admired throughout Christendom and beyond, even by those with pagan beliefs.[1]

The undoing of Camelot was caused by the kingdom's most gifted champion, Lancelot. He had been blessed by the forest witch Frau Totenkinder, who told him that he would be unbeatable in battle as long as he remained pure and honorable. For a time, he was indeed invincible—until he lost his honor by having an affair with King Arthur's wife, Guinevere. This betrayal shattered the unity of the Round Table and set in motion the events that led to Camelot's downfall. Lancelot’s actions, along with the "unforgivable acts" he committed afterward, fractured the once-great kingdom. Although Arthur eventually forgave Lancelot, the knight could not forgive himself. In a moment of despair, he took his own life[1] in the 13th century,[7] becoming the mysterious Forsworn Knight. Meanwhile, Arthur was laid to rest in a crypt.[1]

Rebirth in New Camelot

The organization was later brought back centuries later in the mundane world in the 21st century, under the leadership of Rose Red in New Camelot on the Farm. She believed it was her mission to offer Fables and villains who had repented of their wrong doings a second chance. Her quest to find a way to help led her to the legend of King Arthur, inspiring her to reestablish the Round Table with her own innovative ideas. She sent invitations across all the worlds she could reach, seeking Fables with noble intentions who could expand her Knights' Order. Regardless of gender, background, or other factors, everyone was given a fair opportunity to prove themselves worthy of joining the organization.

Later, Rose appointed the original sorceress Morgan le Fay[8] as her court magician and reinstated Lancelot as a Knight of the Round Table.[2] However, Lancelot warned her that he feared history might begin to repeat itself, especially as they developed an intimate relationship.

Ultimately, the organization was dissolved by Rose Red when she realized the curse that obligated her family members to kill each other was presumably weakened, thus ending the Snow White Rose Red — Civil War from reaching it's destined conclusion.[3]

Members

Original members

New members

Original source

The Knights of the Round Table, known in various Celtic languages, are the legendary knights of King Arthur's fellowship, first mentioned in the Matter of Britain literature in the mid-12th century. This order is dedicated to maintaining peace in Arthur's kingdom after a tumultuous period of warfare. In later years, they embark on a mystical quest for the Holy Grail. The Round Table itself symbolizes the equality of its members, who come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from sovereign royals to minor nobles.

References

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