The History of King Arthur

King Arthur is a legendary king who ruled Great Britain in the 6^th century. Some historians believe that King Arthur's leadership prevented the invasion of the Saxons during the Dark Ages. King Arthur was made internationally famous by Geoffrey of Monmouth's book, Historia Regum Britanniae, or History of the Kings of Britain. Besides this book, there were several other English tales and poems that kept the legend of Arthur alive.

• The Legend of King Arthur

• Post-Roman Britain

• The Dark Ages

Arthur was King Uther Pendragon's first son, and he was destined to be a king. He was probably born in Tintagel Castle, but due to turbulent times in the kingdom, he was raised in a secret place that was far away from the kingdom. After the death of King Uther, conflict broke out, as there was no single contender for the throne. A magician by the name of Merlin used his wizardry to set a sword in a stone. It was decided that the person who could draw the sword from the stone would be declared the king. After many contenders failed, Arthur appeared and drew the sword from the stone, and he was offered the throne, which was rightfully his.

• Tintagel Castle

• Cadbury Castle

• Facts about Camelot

• The Sword in the Stone

Merlin was a magician who later became an important advisor in King Arthur's court. He was one of the most important advisors to King Arthur, and Arthur sought his advice in most of the decisions he took. Merlin was given the name Emrys when he was born, but he changed his name later. Excalibur was the sword that was synonymous with King Arthur, as he won many battles with it. It was obtained by Arthur when he was visiting a lake, where the Lady of the Lake magically appeared and offered the famous sword to him.

• About Merlin

• Information about The Excalibur

• The Lady of the Lake
  

King Arthur's castle was called the Camelot. It was a splendidly-designed castle. Camelot was supposedly located somewhere in Britain, but no writer or historian ever mentioned its exact location. Some historians believe that a hill-fort called Cadbury Castle, near South Cadbury in Somerset, may be the actual location of Camelot.

The Round Table of King Arthur was installed to prevent the frequent arguments between the knights over seating precedence. The magnificent Round Table could seat around twenty five knights. The knights who were qualified to sit at the Round Table were called the Knights of the Round Table. These knights of King Arthur were honored for their chivalry and courage. A few of the famous knights included Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, Sir Bedivere, and Sir Percivale. All of King Arthur's knights were expected to follow a certain code of chivalry. Showing respect to ladies, fleeing treason, showing mercy, and never being cruel were some of the qualities that all knights needed to possess.

• The Round Table

• Knights of the Round Table

• Sir Lancelot

• Sir Gawain

• Sir Bedivere

• Battles of King Arthur

• Battle of Badon

• Battle of Camlan
  
  

There are many romantic stories about King Arthur and his wife Queen Guinevere, and some other stories mention his half-sister Morgaine too. King Arthur's nephew Mordred betrayed him, and this caused a civil war to break out in the peaceful kingdom. The civil war culminated in a battle at Camlan, where King Arthur was fatally wounded. He was, however, not captured by his enemies, since he was put on a boat, and the boat sailed down the river until it reached the isle of Avalon. Legend has it that three maidens treated his wounds, and later on, after he died, he and his favorite knights were buried under a hill. The legend also mentions that King Arthur and his knights will return to save his country one day.

• Sir Mordred the Traitor

• Quest for the Real King Arthur

• King Arthur Map

• King Arthur Poems
  

• Medieval costumes