King Arthur:

Fact or Fiction?

Overview

King Arthur by Charles E. Butler, 1903, Oil.

Historia Brittonum

In the early 9th century, a Welsh monk named Nennius, wrote the Historia Brittonum, or The History of the Britons. In this work, we get the first mention of a British king, name Arthur, who fought his final battle at Badon Hill. This puts Ambrosius Aurelianus and Arthur in the same context as they are both named as the leaders of this famous battle.

In the Historia Brittonum, Nennius provides a detailed account of Arthur’s battles against the Saxons, listing twelve in total, including the Battle of Badon. Nennius describes Arthur as a “dux bellorum,” meaning “war leader,” who fought in these battles alongside the kings of the Britons. According to Nennius, Arthur was successful in these battles because he carried the image of the Virgin Mary on his shield and was therefore invincible.

Nennius also mentions the story of Arthur’s birth, which he claims took place in Tintagel, Cornwall, and involved a supernatural conception. He writes that Arthur’s father was Uther Pendragon, who disguised himself as the Duke of Cornwall to seduce Arthur’s mother, Igraine. Nennius goes on to describe how Merlin, the wizard, was involved in Arthur’s upbringing and how Arthur eventually became king after proving his worthiness by pulling the sword from the stone.

Nennius’ account of King Arthur has been a subject of debate among scholars. Some argue that his version of events is based on earlier oral traditions and may contain some historical elements, while others suggest that his account is purely legendary and should be viewed as a work of fiction. Despite the scholarly disagreements, Nennius’ Historia Brittonum remains an important source of information about the legendary King Arthur, and his work continues to influence modern interpretations of the Arthurian legend.

Image: A 14th century Yvain MS illumination showing Lancelot battling Palamedes

A 14th century Yvain MS illumination showing Lancelot battling Palamedes

Chrétien de Troyes

Chrétien de Troyes was a French poet who lived in the twelfth century and is considered one of the most important writers of the Arthurian legend. He wrote five Arthurian romances, including Erec and Enide, Cligès, Lancelot, Yvain, and Perceval.

In Chrétien’s works, King Arthur is portrayed as a noble and wise ruler who is dedicated to upholding the ideals of chivalry and honor. He presides over a court of knights who are bound by a code of conduct that requires them to be brave, courteous, and loyal. The knights of Arthur’s court, including Lancelot and Gawain, are depicted as paragons of virtue who undertake quests and adventures to defend the weak and uphold the honor of the court.

Chrétien’s portrayal of King Arthur and his knights is notable for its emphasis on courtly love, a concept that was popular in medieval literature. In his works, knights are often motivated by their love for women, and they undertake quests and adventures to win the favor of their ladies. The most famous example of this is the love triangle between Lancelot, Guinevere, and Arthur, which is a central theme in many Arthurian stories.

Chrétien’s works had a significant influence on later Arthurian literature, and they helped to establish many of the key themes and motifs that are associated with the Arthurian legend today.

Le Morte d’Arthur

Sir Thomas Malory was an English writer who lived in the fifteenth century and is best known for his work, Le Morte d’Arthur (The Death of Arthur). This book is a compilation of earlier Arthurian legends, including those of Geoffrey of Monmouth and Chrétien de Troyes, and is considered one of the most important works of medieval literature.

In Le Morte d’Arthur, Malory presents King Arthur as a legendary figure who is revered for his wisdom, courage, and chivalry. Arthur is depicted as a just and fair ruler who establishes the Round Table, a symbol of equality and unity, and assembles a fellowship of knights who are sworn to defend the weak and uphold the honor of the court. The knights of Arthur’s court, including Lancelot, Gawain, and Tristan, are portrayed as heroes who undertake quests and adventures to prove their worthiness and defend the kingdom.

One of the most significant themes in Malory’s work is the idea of chivalry and the code of conduct that governs the behavior of knights. Malory emphasizes the importance of courage, loyalty, and honor, and he depicts knights as noble and selfless warriors who are willing to risk their lives for the greater good. The love triangle between Lancelot, Guinevere, and Arthur is also a central theme in Le Morte d’Arthur, and Malory’s portrayal of their relationship is notable for its depth and complexity.

Le Morte d’Arthur had a significant influence on later Arthurian literature, and it helped to establish the Arthurian legend as a central part of English literary tradition.

Roman tombstone, fragment depicting a horse rider, almost certainly one of the Sarmatians people who once lived north of the river Danube, Deva Victrix (Chester, UK), The Grosvenor Museum

The Sarmatians were an equestrian nomadic group that dominated the area. During the middle of the 2nd century, they had formed a coalition with two Germanic tribes to attack the Romans, however, by the end of the 2nd century, Emperor Marcus Aurelius had subdued them. He made their leader, Zanticus, pay tribute in armed cavalry. It is recorded by Dio Cassius, that roughly 5,000 of these soldiers were sent to England to strengthen the outposts along Hadrian’s Wall. After the Roman exit from Britain, many of these soldiers stayed and assimilated into English society. There is evidence of these outposts and various pieces of art that is linked to these Sarmatian soldiers.

If these soldiers assimilated into society, the theory goes on to suggest that Arthur could have been a member or leader of the Sarmatians. If this is true then that would explain the similarities between Arthurian legend and the Sarmatians.

Legacy

The legend of King Arthur, and various Arthurian legends, have withstood the test of time, captivating audiences for centuries and continuing to inspire people worldwide. Despite its undeniable impact on the world, the exact origins of the legend remain shrouded in mystery. The earliest known references to Arthurian legend date back to the 5th and 6th centuries, during the Anglo-Saxon migrations to the British Isles. To the native inhabitants, the tale of a hero who could resist the invaders and defend Britain was essential, and Arthur soon emerged as the embodiment of this heroism.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of historians agree that Arthur was not a real person even though the story of King Arthur and his legend can be traced through various historical and archaeological sites that are associated with the legend. From Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, where Arthur was believed to have been born, to Glastonbury Abbey, which was thought to be his final resting place, these sites connect us to a bygone world, and the legend has helped to preserve their cultural significance. By studying these sites and the associated Arthurian legends, we can gain insight into the values and beliefs of the past, and understand how they continue to influence our society today.