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| '''King Arthur''' is an important figure in the mythology of ]. He is the central character in Arthurian legends (known as the ]), though there is disagreement about whether Arthur, or a model for him, ever lived. In the legends, which authors expanded rapidly beginning in the twelfth century, Arthur gathered the Knights of the ] (], ], and others). At his court, ], could also be found the magician ]. The romance between Arthur's champion, Lancelot, and the Queen, ], is at the center of the fall of Camelot. | '''King Arthur''' is an important figure in the mythology of ]. He is the central character in Arthurian legends (known as the ]), though there is disagreement about whether Arthur, or a model for him, ever lived. He is believed to have flourished some time in the sixth century, to have been of ] origin, and to have fought against the ]s. His power base was probably in either ] or the west of ], but controversy over the possible location of his court continues to rage. | ||
| One of the first writers to mention Arthur was ]. In the legends, which authors expanded rapidly beginning in the twelfth century, Arthur gathered the Knights of the ] (], ], and others). At his court, ], could also be found the magician ]. The romance between Arthur's champion, Lancelot, and the Queen, ], is at the center of the fall of Camelot. | |||
| The Arthurian mythos permeated to the continent, as far afield as ] in Poland, where the 15th century merchants set up an Arthurian hall in his honour. | The Arthurian mythos permeated to the continent, as far afield as ] in Poland, where the 15th century merchants set up an Arthurian hall in his honour. | ||
| Arthur is also closely connected with ]. | Arthur is also closely connected with ]. The French medieval writer, ], produced versions of the legend during the mid-twelfth century. | ||
| Arthur had in his possession the wondrous ] ] which was given to him by ]. In many accounts, Arthur is not eventually killed but is instead critically wounded; he is taken away to ] (often identified with ] in ], England) to have his wounds healed. Legend had it that he would return in the hour of Britain's greatest need. | Arthur had in his possession the wondrous ] ] which was given to him by ]. In many accounts, Arthur is not eventually killed but is instead critically wounded; he is taken away to ] (often identified with ] in ], England) to have his wounds healed. Legend had it that he would return in the hour of Britain's greatest need. | ||
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| A number of films have been made as well, including the irreverent ]. Others include ], ], ]. | A number of films have been made as well, including the irreverent ]. Others include ], ], ]. The 1970s British television series, ''Arthur of the Britons'', sought to create a more "realistic" portrait of the period and to explain the origins of some of the myths about the Celtic leader. | ||
| The Arthurian myth makes an appearance in many stories: | The Arthurian myth makes an appearance in many stories: | ||
Revision as of 14:29, 13 June 2002
King Arthur is an important figure in the mythology of Britain. He is the central character in Arthurian legends (known as the Matter of Britain), though there is disagreement about whether Arthur, or a model for him, ever lived. He is believed to have flourished some time in the sixth century, to have been of Romano-British origin, and to have fought against the Saxons. His power base was probably in either Wales or the west of England, but controversy over the possible location of his court continues to rage.
One of the first writers to mention Arthur was Geoffrey of Monmouth. In the legends, which authors expanded rapidly beginning in the twelfth century, Arthur gathered the Knights of the Round Table (Lancelot, Galahad, and others). At his court, Camelot, could also be found the magician Merlin. The romance between Arthur's champion, Lancelot, and the Queen, Guinevere, is at the center of the fall of Camelot.
The Arthurian mythos permeated to the continent, as far afield as Gdansk in Poland, where the 15th century merchants set up an Arthurian hall in his honour.
Arthur is also closely connected with Brittany. The French medieval writer, Chretien de Troyes, produced versions of the legend during the mid-twelfth century.
Arthur had in his possession the wondrous sword Excalibur which was given to him by The Lady of the Lake. In many accounts, Arthur is not eventually killed but is instead critically wounded; he is taken away to Avalon (often identified with Glastonbury in Somerset, England) to have his wounds healed. Legend had it that he would return in the hour of Britain's greatest need.
There are an immense number of books written about King Arthur and the court of Camelot.
- Gawain and the Green Knight
- Thomas Malory: Le Morte Darthur
- Marion Zimmer Bradley: The Mists of Avalon
- T.H. White: The Once and Future King cycle, the first volume of which is The Sword in the Stone, well-known for the Disney adaptation.
- The several books by Norma Lorre Goodrich are very popular and according to Arthurian scholars not to be taken at all seriously. Goodrich is supposedly a fair scholar of literature but a very poor one of history. Reader take caution.
- The Merlin books of Mary Stewart: The Crystal Cave sets up the background for the Arthurian legend, but has only a baby Arthur. The Hollow Hills encompasses most of Arthur's lifespan, including his childhood with Merlin as his tutor.
- Helen Hollick
- Persia Woolley
A number of films have been made as well, including the irreverent Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Others include Excalibur, Lancelot du Lac, First Knight. The 1970s British television series, Arthur of the Britons, sought to create a more "realistic" portrait of the period and to explain the origins of some of the myths about the Celtic leader.
The Arthurian myth makes an appearance in many stories:
- Susan Cooper's The Dark is Rising sequence
- Babylon 5 explicitly mentions Arthur in one episode, but the entire television series contains references