King Arthur: The History and Story of King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table

Summary

This video delves into the legendary tale of King Arthur, exploring the origins and evolution of the story from its roots in Celtic poetry to its development by various authors. Key figures like Geoffrey of Monmouth, who penned 'Historia Regum Britanniae,' and Sir Thomas Mallory, who compiled the comprehensive 'Le Morte d'Arthur,' are highlighted. The script also touches on the influence of French poet Chrétien de Troyes and Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, emphasizing the enduring themes of chivalry, love, and the quest for the Holy Grail.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The legend of King Arthur has its roots in Celtic poetry during the time of the Saxon invasion of Britain around 400 CE.
• 🤴 The earliest historical reference to Arthur as a hero comes from the ninth century, with the Welsh poem 'Marwnad Cattgwyn'.
• 📚 Geoffrey of Monmouth is credited as the 'father of the Arthurian legend', having created a comprehensive story in his 'Historia Regum Britanniae' in the 12th century.
• 🧙 Merlin, a key character in the legend, was transformed by Geoffrey of Monmouth from a sorcerer into a significant figure in Arthur's lineage and rise to power.
• ⚔️ Arthur's battles against the Saxons, including the pivotal Battle of Baden Hill, are central to the early development of his heroic narrative.
• 🗡 Excalibur, the sword of King Arthur, was originally named Caliburn in earlier texts and became known as Excalibur after translations and adaptations.
• 🪑 The concept of the Round Table, symbolizing equality among knights, was introduced by Wace, a French writer, and further developed by later authors.
• 🥂 The story of Lancelot, Guinevere, and the love triangle involving Arthur was a significant addition to the legend, emphasizing themes of courtly love.
• 🛕 The Vulgate Cycle and later works Christianized the legend, turning the Grail into a holy relic associated with Christ's Last Supper and integrating themes of sin and redemption.
• 📖 Sir Thomas Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur' compiled and expanded upon previous works, creating a cohesive narrative that became the foundation for modern Arthurian literature.
• 🎭 Alfred, Lord Tennyson's 'Idylls of the King' revitalized interest in the legend during the Victorian era, influencing subsequent retellings and portrayals of King Arthur.

Q & A

What is the origin of King Arthur's story?

The earliest roots of King Arthur's story come from Celtic poetry during the time of the Saxon invasion of Britain, around 400 CE, when a British leader named Ambrosius Aurelianis defended the land against the Saxons.

Who is credited with the creation of the Arthurian legend as we know it today?

Sir Thomas Mallory is recognized as the author of the legend as he created the most comprehensive version of the story in 'Le Morte d'Arthur', weaving all previous tales into a single narrative.

What significant contribution did Geoffrey of Monmouth make to the Arthurian legend?

Geoffrey of Monmouth is considered the father of the Arthurian legend. He wrote 'Historia Regum Britanniae', which pieced together bits of poetry and myth about Arthur, elevating him to an unforgettable legend.

What is the significance of the Round Table introduced by Wace?

The Round Table introduced the concept of equality to the story, showing Arthur as a king who cared more about people's merits instead of social class, with no one seated at the head or foot of the table.

How did the character of Merlin evolve over time?

Merlin evolved from a mysterious sorcerer in early tales to an omniscient figure and antichrist in later works, such as those by Robert de Boron, who provided Merlin with a Christianized backstory.

What is the Grail's significance in the Arthurian legend?

The Grail, initially a dish with pagan connotations, was transformed into the Holy Grail, the cup used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper, becoming a central quest item in the legend.

Which character is known for the first mention of the 'sword in the anvil' motif?

The motif of the 'sword in the anvil', which later became the 'sword in the stone', was first mentioned in the story 'Merlin' by Robert de Boron.

What themes are explored in the love triangle between Arthur, Lancelot, and Guinevere?

The love triangle explores themes of courtly love, including the ennobling power of love and the idea that love is a desire never to be fulfilled, within the chivalric bounds of the time.

How did the story of Percival evolve in the Arthurian legend?

Perceval's story evolved to depict him as a country boy on a chivalric quest for the Grail, embodying the themes of courtly love and chivalry, and ultimately becoming a knight.

What is the significance of the character Galahad in the quest for the Grail?

Galahad, introduced in the Vulgate Cycle, is significant as he embodies the virtues of his father Lancelot but without the sin of adultery, making him worthy to accomplish the quest of finding the Grail.

How did Alfred, Lord Tennyson influence the modern perception of the Arthurian legend?

Alfred, Lord Tennyson's 'Idylls of the King' revived interest in the Arthurian legend during the Victorian era and became the main influence for Arthurian stories from the 1850s onwards, shaping the modern perception of the legend.