Medieval Times

King Arthur was a legendary king of medieval Britain. He became the main character in some of the most popular stories in world literature. For almost 1,000 years, writers have told of Arthur's brave deeds and the adventures of his Knights of the Round Table.

A real Arthur probably existed, but historians know little about him. Storytellers passed on the earliest tales about Arthur by word of mouth. They may have based the tales on a real British leader who won minor victories over German invaders in the early A.D. 500's.

According to legend, Arthurs parents were King Uther Pendragon and Duchess Igraine of Cornwall. Sir Ector, one of Uther's barons, raised Arthur but did not tell him of his royal ancestry. When Arthur pulled the magic sword Excalibur from the block of stone, he proved himself the rigthful heir to the throne of Britain and became king. Then, guided by Merlin, an old Celtic magician, Arthur defeated a force of rebellious princes and married the beautiful Princess Guenevere. Arthur has several residence. His favorite was Camelot, a castle that he made in southern England.

There are two versions of the events that led to Arthurs death. Both say he fought a war against the Roman emperor Lucius. During this war, Arthur conquered much of western Europe. Early writers said he was called home before completing his conquest. He had heard that Mordred, a knight who was either his nephew or his son(I would say it is his son), has seized his kingdom and queen. Arthur killed Mordred in a battle but died from wounds received in the fight.

Later authors wrote that Arthur had completed his victory over the Romans. After he returned to Britain, Arthur and his court began the quest in search for the Holy Grail, the cup or disg that Jesus used at the last supper. After the quest ended, a love affair developed between Queen Guenevere and Sir Lancelot, the greatest Knight of the Round Table. While fighting a war of revenge against Lancelot, Arthur learned of Mordred's treachery. Then followed the battle that resulted in the death of Arthur and Mordred. Many people belived that Arthur's wounds would be healed and that someday he would return to help his country in its time of need.

The End

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