The popular legend of King Arthur and the sorcerer Merlin dates back to the Middle Ages, and the writings of Geoffrey of Monmouth, about 900 years ago. His book of British kings was supposed to be true, but was mostly fiction. The legend was repeated in Sir Arthur Malory's book, Le Morte D'Arthur (The Death of Arthur), written 300 years later. Printed by William Caxton, who set up the world's first printing press, it was one of the earliest books in Britain. The book can still be bought today, written in more modern English. To see how English has changed since the Middle Ages, try reading the original version.
According to the legend, Arthur, son of King Uther Pendragon, was born at Tintagel Castle, on England's rugged Cornish coast, sometime during the 5th century. Merlin told the King that the infant boy must be sent away and raised, in secret, by another family. The old wizard suggested a worthy knight named Sir Ector--but neither the knight, nor anyone else, could know of the boy's true identity. When the King died, there was much fighting over his successor. But Merlin, who had predicted all this, had a plan. Casting a spell, he set a sword into a block of stone. Written on the blade was a message that anyone who could remove the sword was the rightful King of England. Many men tried, and failed. One day Arthur, now in his teens, was on an errand for Sir Ector's son, Sir Kay, who he thought was his own brother. Sir Kay was going jousting and needed his sword. But Arthur couldn't find it. Anxious not to disappoint him, Arthur raced over to the sword in the stone. Pulling it free, he hurried back to Sir Kay. When people realized what had happened they were amazed. Sir Ector and Sir Kay both knelt down before young Arthur, recognizing him as their true king.
Arthur became a good and powerful king, uniting the country and defeating its enemies. He lived in a castle, at Camelot, with his lovely wife Guinevere. It was there that he met with his brave knights, seated at a special round table. Unfortunately the peace did not last. Conflict and treachery disrupted Camelot, leading to a final battle in which Arthur was mortally wounded. The dying king was put into a sacred boat and taken to the mystical Isle of Avalon.
The period before the Middle Ages--from about 450-1000 AD--is called the Dark Ages, partly because so little is known of what was happening. This is because good records were never kept. So, regardless of all the books that have been written about King Arthur, it is not certain that he ever existed. He was supposed to have lived somewhere between 450 and 550 AD. This was just after the time that the Romans left Britain. They had ruled the entire country for over 300 years, bringing law and order to the warring tribes. But when they left in 410 AD chaos returned. Local chieftains ruled different parts of the country and, without anyone in charge, raiders from overseas were free to attack the country. There may well have been a leader named Arthur, but he was not king of the entire land. Nor did he live in a castle, wear a suit of armor, or go jousting, because these things all belong to the Middle Ages. What about the places mentioned in the legend? next...
According to the legend, Arthur, son of King Uther Pendragon, was born at Tintagel Castle, on England's rugged Cornish coast, sometime during the 5th century. Merlin told the King that the infant boy must be sent away and raised, in secret, by another family. The old wizard suggested a worthy knight named Sir Ector--but neither the knight, nor anyone else, could know of the boy's true identity. When the King died, there was much fighting over his successor. But Merlin, who had predicted all this, had a plan. Casting a spell, he set a sword into a block of stone. Written on the blade was a message that anyone who could remove the sword was the rightful King of England. Many men tried, and failed. One day Arthur, now in his teens, was on an errand for Sir Ector's son, Sir Kay, who he thought was his own brother. Sir Kay was going jousting and needed his sword. But Arthur couldn't find it. Anxious not to disappoint him, Arthur raced over to the sword in the stone. Pulling it free, he hurried back to Sir Kay. When people realized what had happened they were amazed. Sir Ector and Sir Kay both knelt down before young Arthur, recognizing him as their true king.
Arthur became a good and powerful king, uniting the country and defeating its enemies. He lived in a castle, at Camelot, with his lovely wife Guinevere. It was there that he met with his brave knights, seated at a special round table. Unfortunately the peace did not last. Conflict and treachery disrupted Camelot, leading to a final battle in which Arthur was mortally wounded. The dying king was put into a sacred boat and taken to the mystical Isle of Avalon.
The period before the Middle Ages--from about 450-1000 AD--is called the Dark Ages, partly because so little is known of what was happening. This is because good records were never kept. So, regardless of all the books that have been written about King Arthur, it is not certain that he ever existed. He was supposed to have lived somewhere between 450 and 550 AD. This was just after the time that the Romans left Britain. They had ruled the entire country for over 300 years, bringing law and order to the warring tribes. But when they left in 410 AD chaos returned. Local chieftains ruled different parts of the country and, without anyone in charge, raiders from overseas were free to attack the country. There may well have been a leader named Arthur, but he was not king of the entire land. Nor did he live in a castle, wear a suit of armor, or go jousting, because these things all belong to the Middle Ages. What about the places mentioned in the legend? next...
King Arthur
Placing your mouse over blue text words makes things pop up.
