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April 29th

4/29/2013

 
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Was King Arthur real?

A medieval chronicle from 1136 popularizing the story of King Arthur is thought to have been written in a lost Oxford chapel by a Welsh scholar.

Researchers now believe Geoffrey of Monmouth's The History of the Kings of Britain was penned at St George's chapel, before it was demolished to make way for Oxford Castle. All that is left of the building is the Saxon stone-built St George's Tower and the ancient crypt.

The serving Cannon, Geoffrey, introduced the figures of King Arthur and Merlin to a wide medieval readership and paved the way for the enormous popularity of the Arthurian legends in later centuries, right up to modern times. Based on Geoffrey's secret Welsh manuscript, the story told of Guinevere, Merlin, the sword later called Excalibur, and Arthur's final resting place in Avalon.


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Opinions differ about the reality of King Arthur. The mythical figure about the 5th Century military commander, leading the Britons into battle against the invading Saxons, has proved impossible for historians to verify. The only contemporary source, The Ruin and Conquest of Britain by the British monk and historian Gildas (c.500-70), does not mention Arthur at all.

Some scholars have suggested that a Romano-British war hero described by the 6th Century historian Gildas, may have been the real Arthur. Others say a 2nd or 3rd Century Roman military commander, may have formed the basis of the Arthurian myth.

However, some historians believe Arthur was an amalgam of heroic figures from Celtic mythology.


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Over thirty movies have been made of Kink Arthur's life. Indiana Jones was confronted by Arthur's mythology in his third big-screen encounter, while John Boorman's 1981 fantasy Excalibur and Robert Bresson's 1972 film Lancelot also re-imagined the saga. Perhaps most memorable of all, however was 1975's Monty Python and the Holy Grail, with its less than reverent take on the story--strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.

My favorite was the 1967 musical Camelot, with Richard Harris and Vanessa Redgrave filmed in the fields opposite my home, where it only rains at night according to one song.

I've made references to King Arthur and Tintagel Castle into several of my books set in Cornwall—even the futuristic ones. The story of love and conflict and betrayal is compelling. The 1,500 year-old tale incorporates romance, heroism, chivalry, honor and, of course, the promise that the hero will return to rescue his people.


Linda - Delightfully Amiss link
4/29/2013 03:34:30 am

Stopping by from Ultimate Blog Challenge Group.

Love the old legends.

Deb Dutilh link
4/29/2013 03:38:49 am

I'm delighted to have discovered your blog, Francine! I've often asked myself this question having studied The Art of Courtly Love and Medieval Literature as a French major in university. Often times, I'd get lost in the legends. Were the characters real or not? The themes you mentioned are compelling because they are universal and nearly everyone can relate.

Amy link
4/29/2013 08:15:38 am

Francene, no matter what you are writing about each day, I enjoy reading it. You make it so interesting. Have you read any of Mary Stewart's books? She has a wonderful trilogy of books set in the days of King Arthur. I think they're called the Merlin Trilogy.

Toni Nelson link
4/30/2013 09:09:58 pm

I love that books can take you to different places real or imagined.


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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