King Arthur

Guide Note:

King Arthur of Britain is an iconic figure in legend and history. No definitive evidence has proven his existence, he remains a key figure in the history, myth, literature, art and culture of the Western world.

Fast Facts:

  1. Earliest Appearances: 5th-6th Century A.D.
  2. Multiple versions of the legend exist
  3. Has inspired countless films, operas, novels, plays and TV shows
  4. His scabbard was supposedly blessed to keep him from bleeding in battle
  5. Excalibur was a gift from the Lady of the Lake

Background and Lore

If Arthur existed, he most likely was a ruler who fought to repel Germanic invaders of England in the 5th and 6th Century. While later English writers such as Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century and Thomas Mallory in the 15th century wrote of Arthur assuming that he was real, modern historians are not so sure. What remains consistent in retellings of the story of Arthur is the proof of his legitimacy in being able to pull a sword from a stone, an advice-giving wizard named Merlin, a group of loyal warriors known as the Knights of the Round Table, the quest for the Holy Grail, and a magic sword named Excalibur. Whether Arthur existed or not, his myth served as inspiration and justification for the rule of several English monarchs.

The Mahalo Top 7

  1. Wikipedia: King Arthur
  2. Arthurian Resources  Jennifer Hudock: Very informative
  3. King Arthur & the Knights of the Round Table
  4. University of Rochester: The Camelot Project
  5. Britannia History: King Arthur
  6. Early British Kingdoms: King Arthur
  7. Merrie Haskell's King Arthur Site

King Arthur in History and Legend

King Arthur Literary Evolution

Pre-Galfridian

Geoffrey of Monmouth

Arthurian Romance

The Vulgate Cycle

Sir Thomas Malory

The Victorian Revival & Early Modern Works

Contemporary Literature

King Arthur Images

King Arthur Videos and Media

King Arthur Books and Merchandise

Notable King Arthur Films

King Arthur in News and Culture

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