King Arthur Pendragon: Man Or Myth?
Arthur Pendragon: Man or Myth?
Was Arthur Pendragon a King or did he exist at all?
Avalon Keft
“Most of what you think you know about Camelot, Guinevere and Lancelot and the evil sorceress known as Morgan le Fay is nothing but lies.”1 For centuries, men and women across the globe have been enveloped in a tale, which, regrettably, is not true. King Arthur, or rather, Arthur Pendragon, was for many years accepted to be the mythical ruler of 5th and 6th century Britain. The tale of a boy who, at the young of age of fifteen, became the king of the Britons began in the 12th century and has since been altered to suit contemporary audiences’ expectations and desires. There have been occasions in history when the extent to which people have come …show more content…
The tale known today consists of a man, braver than any other man, who led the British people to war against the Saxons who, since the Romans had left Britain in the late 4th to early 5th centuries, were gradually but unquestionably taking over the country. After numerous grand battles and an overwhelming victory at Mount Badon, the Saxons' advance on Britain was brought to a standstill. King Arthur had a strong castle, called Camelot, which housed a round table with twelve Knights who carried out acts of chivalry and rescued damsels in distress. There was a quest for an artefact which could cure all illnesses, the Holy Grail, and a magical sword Excalibur, given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake, which was much like Arthur (greater than any other sword). A love interest, the lovely Guinevere was made Arthur’s Queen, and brought romance to the tale. This contrasted with Arthur’s half sister, Morgan le Fay who brought it a darker, villainous side. This “magical” tale which has been added to over time to increase the suspense, mystery and romance, is unfortunately false. The original story differs greatly from what is today perceived in popular culture, to the history of
Was Arthur Pendragon a King or did he exist at all?
Avalon Keft
“Most of what you think you know about Camelot, Guinevere and Lancelot and the evil sorceress known as Morgan le Fay is nothing but lies.”1 For centuries, men and women across the globe have been enveloped in a tale, which, regrettably, is not true. King Arthur, or rather, Arthur Pendragon, was for many years accepted to be the mythical ruler of 5th and 6th century Britain. The tale of a boy who, at the young of age of fifteen, became the king of the Britons began in the 12th century and has since been altered to suit contemporary audiences’ expectations and desires. There have been occasions in history when the extent to which people have come …show more content…
The tale known today consists of a man, braver than any other man, who led the British people to war against the Saxons who, since the Romans had left Britain in the late 4th to early 5th centuries, were gradually but unquestionably taking over the country. After numerous grand battles and an overwhelming victory at Mount Badon, the Saxons' advance on Britain was brought to a standstill. King Arthur had a strong castle, called Camelot, which housed a round table with twelve Knights who carried out acts of chivalry and rescued damsels in distress. There was a quest for an artefact which could cure all illnesses, the Holy Grail, and a magical sword Excalibur, given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake, which was much like Arthur (greater than any other sword). A love interest, the lovely Guinevere was made Arthur’s Queen, and brought romance to the tale. This contrasted with Arthur’s half sister, Morgan le Fay who brought it a darker, villainous side. This “magical” tale which has been added to over time to increase the suspense, mystery and romance, is unfortunately false. The original story differs greatly from what is today perceived in popular culture, to the history of