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:
- Ancient Prophecies from the Arthurian legends (fulfilled by the King of the moment!)
- Connections to the old Religions - Druids, magicians and wizards
- A link to the enigmatic Stonehenge
- Connections to the Roman Emperors
- A King whose rule was based on Honour, Honesty, Loyalty, Chivalry and Valour
- Connections to the ‘one, true King of the Britons’ prophecy
- A romantic story of love, fair ladies, brave knights and triumphant battles
- Christianity, the crusades and the search for the Holy Grail
- 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
Arthurian Legend
Arthurian Legend
- Arthurian Legend
- Was the Life of King Arthur Fact or Fiction?
- What influence did the Arthurian legend have on the actual history of England and Wales?
- Educational resource which sorts Arthurian Legend fact from fiction
- Arthurian Legend
- Was the Life of King Arthur Fact or Fiction?
- What influence did the Arthurian legend have on the actual history of England and Wales?
- Educational resource which sorts Arthurian Legend fact from fiction