Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
The story of King Arthur and his knights of the round table is one of the most enduring legends in history. It has captivated generations of readers and inspired countless works of art, literature, and film. But what is the origin of this legend, and why does it still fascinate us today?
The Birth of a King
The legend begins with the reign of King Uther Pendragon, who ruled over Britain in the dark ages. He fell in love with Igraine, the wife of the Duke of Cornwall, and sought the help of the wizard Merlin to win her heart. Merlin agreed, but on one condition: Uther had to give him his firstborn son. Uther agreed, and Merlin used his magic to disguise Uther as the Duke of Cornwall, allowing him to spend a night with Igraine. That night, Arthur was conceived.
When Arthur was born, Uther kept his promise and gave him to Merlin, who took him to the castle of Sir Ector, a loyal knight. There, Arthur grew up as the foster brother of Sir Kay, unaware of his true identity.
The Sword in the Stone
When Uther died, Britain was plunged into chaos and anarchy. No one could claim the throne, and many lords fought for power. Merlin decided it was time to reveal the rightful king, and he placed a sword in a stone in London, with an inscription that read: “Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil, is rightwise king born of all England.”
Many nobles tried to pull out the sword, but none could budge it. One day, Arthur, who was now a young squire, accompanied Sir Kay to a tournament in London. He forgot to bring Kay’s sword, and in his haste, he saw the sword in the stone and pulled it out easily. He then gave it to Kay, who claimed it as his own. But when Merlin exposed the truth, everyone realized that Arthur was the chosen one, and he was crowned as King of England.
The Round Table
Arthur proved to be a wise and just ruler, who brought peace and prosperity to his kingdom. He married Guinevere, the daughter of King Leodegrance, who gave him a round table as a wedding gift. The round table symbolized equality and fellowship among Arthur’s knights, who swore to uphold the ideals of chivalry, loyalty, and honor. Some of the most famous knights were Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, Sir Galahad, Sir Percival, and Sir Tristan.
Arthur also acquired a magical sword called Excalibur, which he received from the Lady of the Lake, a mysterious enchantress who lived in a lake. Excalibur was said to be invincible, and it shone with a bright light that dazzled the enemies. Arthur and his knights embarked on many adventures and quests, such as fighting giants, dragons, and witches, rescuing damsels in distress, and searching for the Holy Grail, the cup that Jesus used at the Last Supper.
The Fall of Camelot
However, the golden age of Camelot did not last forever. Arthur’s kingdom was threatened by external enemies, such as the Saxons, the Romans, and his own nephew, Mordred, who rebelled against him. But the greatest danger came from within, as Arthur’s wife, Guinevere, and his best friend, Lancelot, fell in love and betrayed him. Their affair was exposed by Sir Agravain, a nephew of Arthur, who accused them of treason. Lancelot escaped, but Guinevere was sentenced to death by burning at the stake. Lancelot returned to rescue her, and in the process, killed many of Arthur’s knights, including Sir Gawain’s brothers.
This sparked a civil war between Arthur and Lancelot, which weakened the kingdom and allowed Mordred to seize the throne. Arthur and Mordred met in a final battle at Camlann, where they mortally wounded each other. Arthur was taken to the Isle of Avalon, where he was healed by the Lady of the Lake. He left behind his sword, Excalibur, which was thrown back into the lake by Sir Bedivere, one of his loyal knights. According to legend, Arthur did not die, but sleeps in Avalon, waiting for the day when he will return to restore the glory of Britain.
The Legacy of the Legend
The legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table has been retold and adapted in many forms and languages over the centuries. It has influenced the culture and identity of Britain, as well as other countries and regions. It has also inspired many artists, writers, and filmmakers, who have added their own interpretations and variations to the original story. Some of the most famous works based on the legend are:
Le Morte d’Arthur, a 15th-century book by Sir Thomas Malory, which is considered the definitive version of the legend in English.
The Once and Future King, a 20th-century novel by T.H. White, which is a modern and humorous retelling of the legend, and the basis for the Disney animated film, The Sword in the Stone.
The Mists of Avalon, a 20th-century novel by Marion Zimmer Bradley, which tells the story from the perspective of the female characters, such as Guinevere, Morgana, and the Lady of the Lake.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail, a 20th-century comedy film by the British group Monty Python, which parodies the legend and its tropes.
Camelot, a 20th-century musical by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, which focuses on the love triangle between Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot, and features songs such as “If Ever I Would Leave You” and “The Lusty Month of May”.
Excalibur, a 20th-century film by John Boorman, which is a dark and gritty adaptation of the legend, with a realistic and historical approach.
Merlin, a 21st-century TV series by BBC, which depicts the young Merlin as a servant and friend of Arthur, who must hide his magic from the tyrannical King Uther.
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, a 21st-century film by Guy Ritchie, which is a modern and action-packed version of the legend, with elements of fantasy and martial arts.
The legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table is a timeless legend that continues to enchant and inspire us today. It is a story of heroism, romance, magic, and adventure, that reflects our hopes and dreams, our fears and challenges, and our values and ideals. It is a story that transcends the boundaries of space and time, and connects us with our past, our present, and our future. It is a story that illuminates our every act.
