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These Arthurian legends and myths about "the one, true King of
the Britons" were used by Kings of England to authenticate their
claims to the both the Welsh and English thrones!
King Edward I used these Arthurian legends and myths when he
conquered Wales. Connections between Caernarvon, Arthurian
Legend, Merlin, Prophecies and even Stonehenge were made.
The Tudors used the same ploy! These Kings of England used the
stories from Arthurian Legend to give them credibility. It was
convenient for them to turn the stories and myths about
Arthurian Legend into hard facts!
The Sources of
the Legend and Myths of Arthurian Legend
The main source of information about Arthurian Legend was
written by a Welsh cleric called Geoffrey of Monmouth. In 1136
Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote a book called Historia Regum
Britanniae - the History of the King's of Britain. Further
credence was given to the stories about Arthurian Legend by the
'Black Book of Caernarvon' (Welsh: Llyfr du Caerfyrddin). This
book was written, in Welsh, in 1250 and contained stories and
poems relating to the heroes of Britain in the Dark Ages
including those connected with the legend of King Arthur and
Merlin. The Historia Brittonum by Nennius, the Annales Cambriae,
the Chronicon Anglicanum and the Welsh Mabinogion also make
references to the myths and stories of Arthurian Legend. The
later Kings of England turned these myths and legends to their
advantage and Fiction was turned into Fact for political
purposes! The Arthurian legend had highly significant influence
on the actual history of England and Wales.
The Influence
of the Stories of Arthurian Legend and the Medieval 'Spin
Doctors'
The stories from Arthurian Legend was clearly used by the
Medieval 'Spin Doctors' to strengthen the claims of Medieval
Kings to both the English and Welsh thrones - they had a huge
influence on the course of actual English and Welsh history. It
is easy to see how much influence, advantage and credibility
could be gained by these Kings to connect their lineage to King
Arthur "the one, true King of the Britons", his realm of Camelot
and the prophecies of Merlin the Wizard. All of the components
of the Great Arthurian Legend! These Medieval 'Spin Doctors'
were absolute masters at this political game of influence! The
connections with these Arthurian legends and myths provided the
people with:
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Ancient Prophecies from the Arthurian legends (fulfilled by
the King of the moment!)
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Connections to the old Religions - Druids, magicians and
wizards
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A link to the enigmatic Stonehenge
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Connections to the Roman Emperors
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A King whose rule was based on Honour, Honesty, Loyalty,
Chivalry and Valour
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Connections to the 'one, true King of the Britons' prophecy
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A romantic story of love, fair ladies, brave knights and
triumphant battles
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Christianity, the crusades and the search for the Holy Grail
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And of course the Arthurian Legend provided proof of their
lineage to ancient Kings and justification for their reign!
The Legend of Arthurian Legend
The legend of Arthurian Legend lives on. We are just as
enthralled by the stories of Arthurian Legend, Magic, Prophecy,
Merlin, Gallant Knights, Fair ladies, the Age of Chivalry and
Camelot as were the people of the Medieval era, the Middle Ages.
The Medieval 'Spin Doctors' and the Kings of England encouraged
the belief in King Arthur and Merlin to influence the people.
The Arthurian legends and myths continued to grow. Of course the
stories were true - the King had said so! The King has fulfilled
the ancient prophecies of Merlin! Even up to the present day
people are confused as to whether the Arthurian Legend was fact
or fiction - which might be the reason you are reading this
text! The Arthurian legend is a perfect example of Fiction being
turned into Fact! Learn more about the Arthurian Legend by
clicking the following links:
King Arthur
Merlin the Wizard
The Legends of Camelot
The Knights of the Round Table
Caernarvon Castle &
Welsh Mythology
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