The Evolution of Arthur

The Evolution of Arthur

By Carolyn Emerick

Celtic Guide, Vol.4:6 (2015)

Introduction: King Arthur is perhaps the most well-known subject in Anglophone literature. Not many other legends that originated over a millennium ago are still told as frequently and with such gusto today. But, what really makes Arthurian legends so different from other heroic epics is its dynamic ability to evolve. The tales of Arthur and his knights have been innovated by virtually every new storyteller who told them. New characters were added over time. And, in some cases completely independent myths were grafted into the realm of Camelot. Because of the way this group of tales lends itself to innovation, Arthurian Legend does not stagnate but remains vibrant and meaningful to every subsequent generation.

Many of us have had the annoying circumstance of being seated next to someone who feels it’s their job to point out every time a Hollywood film departs from historical accuracy, or when the film contradicts the original book. Well, if you ever hear one of these nitpickers asserting that a King Arthur film “isn’t historically accurate” or “that’s not what happens in the book,” you can promptly ask them “which part of undocumented history do you mean?” or “to which book are you referring?” King Arthur does not have one original source, but many!

The real “original” source for Arthur would be the historical figure – if he existed. Some argue very convincingly that he did. But, it has not been proven categorically either way. Yes, there is some archaeological evidence, but none of it is proven to be 100% sure to be related the Arthur. Alan Lupack, author of The Oxford Guide to Arthurian Legend put it this way: “Thus the most reasonable position, though one that will surely be criticized on both sides of the debate, is to be agnostic about the question of Arthur’s historicity,” (pg. 5). I am inclined to agree with him.

Whether he lived in reality or merely in the mind of the first bard who told his story, the next innovation of the Arthur legacy was in the form of folktales. As with Robin Hood and other folk heroes, Arthur was likely being spoken of orally long before his deeds were ever written down. The Cambridge Companion to Arthurian Literature (various authors) says that “the legend evolved from the shadowy Welsh tradition through [to] medieval chronicle and romance…” (pg. 3). The authors go on to say that by the time he is mentioned in our earliest source, the ninth-century Historia Brittonum, “he is already larger than life.” The chronicle records that Arthur led twelve battles against the incoming Saxons, and that he personally killed no less than 960 men in one of them!