King Arthur

1986 Number 11 of 100

Legendary King of Britain. The name Arthur may be a form of Artorius, a Roman gens name but is possibly of Celtic origin coming from Artos Viros (Bear Man). Arthur is not mentioned by any contemporary and his historicity cannot be regarded as certain. Modern opinion tends to feel there may be substance behind the legend. The earliest mention of Arthur is in the Gododdin of Aneirn in the sixth century. Nennius (ninth century) provides a list of Arthur's battles but no description of the King. Geoffry of Monmouth (twelfth century) provided an outline of the hero's life in Historia Regum Brittaniae. From this we find that Arthur was the son of Uther. Over the centuries the saga built up and eventually the Celtic traditions reache the Continent via Brittany. Sir Thomas Mallory (fifteenth century) produced La Morte d'Arthur that many regard as the standard "history" of Arthur.