King Arthur: Legend, History & The Round Table
Overview: King Arthur is the central figure of the "Matter of Britain," a legendary British leader who, according to medieval histories and romances, led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries.
King Arthur: The Once and Future King
1. The Historical vs. Legendary Arthur
The figure of Arthur represents a complex blend of early British history and later romantic myth.
- Legendary Status: He is best known as a legendary king inextricably linked to the symbolism of the Round Table, Camelot, and the quest for the Holy Grail.
- Historical Basis: Scholars suggest he may be based on a historical 5th–6th century Roman-British military leader (dux bellorum) rather than a king in the modern sense.
2. Key Events & Themes
Arthur embodies the ideals of a national hero, representing the defense of the realm and the highest standards of knightly conduct.
🎯 Asked in UGC NET English Arthur is famously connected to the Battle of Badon Hill (Mons Badonicus), where the Britons secured a significant victory against Anglo-Saxon invaders.
🎯 Asked in UGC NET English In literature, Arthur embodies the virtues of chivalry, loyalty, and national imagination. He became the focal point for the definition of "Englishness" in later medieval romance (e.g., Malory's Morte d'Arthur).