King Arthur Fact, Semi-legend
or Myth?
Chapter 3
The Norman Welsh Arthur
Geoffrey of Monmouth created,
by his writing, the majestic image of Arthur, complete with magical
sword 'Caliburn', a 'Dragon helmet' and a 'Dragon banner'. He describes
Arthur as a man who was loved by almost all the people. Here Arthur
is reported to have fought with success in the north of Britain against
the Saxons, and again when they re-appeared in the South West (UK) where
Arthur attacked to break up the 'Siege of Bath', a crusade against the
Pagans. This reference to achieving victory at Bath may perhaps be a
further reason for the association of Bath to the location of the Battle
of Badon, when in both instances the task is tumultuous and righteous.
Here it is very clear that Arthur is the defender of Christianity, driving
out pagan heresy, and in effect affecting future writing on his role
as governor of the kingdom as the ancient and Celtic roots (and their
symbolism) are disassociated from Arthur.
We are then told by Geoffrey
that not only did Arthur conquer Britain but also that he conceived
the idea of conquering Europe, later striding forth making great headway
in Denmark, Norway and Gaul. Arthur is seen to return back to his home
in Wales as a victor and there followed a period of twelve years of
peace. He was believed, in Welsh legend, and by many scholars, to have
returned to home to a place known as 'Caerleon' (See Caerleon).
Here Arthur is said to have had a great court, a match for any in Rome,
where trading and tournaments took place. Arthur is depicted as planning
to conquer Rome when he was subject to the treachery of 'Mordred', (See
Mordred),
and also of 'Guinevere' (See Guinevere),
which leads Arthur to engage in the fatal 'Battle of Camlan' (See Battle
of Camlan), with his nephew Mordred, when Mordred was slain and
Arthur was mortally wounded. This is when Arthur is believed to have
been taken to the Isle of Avalon to have his injuries attended to.
With the disappearance of
Arthur, to Avalon, it seems that Britain broke into civil war. In Geoffrey
of Monmouth's book, we are not told Arthur dies, in accordance with
Arthurian legend, but in fact Geoffrey strongly hints that one day Arthur
would return to save the Britons. It was this ending that gave the Norman's
their biggest headache on how they could anglicise and reconcile Arthur's
heritage and reappearance into Norman history if there was any chance
he might return, yet at the same time, the possibility of Arthur returning
provided the Normans with the perfect opportunity to gain support for
ousting the Saxons and removing Britain out of their control.
So to recap so far, Arthur
emerges once more after the collapse of the revolt against the Roman
occupation, becoming a Welsh legend who is then adopted by the Norman's
and written into their books, with Geoffrey of Monmouth pacifying both
the Saxon's, with Arthur's death, and the Norman's, with the legend
of Arthur's possible return.
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