Dr. Mary Bateman, a medieval literature expert from the University of Bristol, joins comedian Mike Wozniak to unravel the legendary tales of King Arthur. They explore Arthur's true origins as a military leader in post-Roman Britain and how various adaptations introduced iconic elements like the Round Table and the Holy Grail. The duo delves into historical sources, the roles of female authors, and the whimsical quirks of Arthurian characters. The discussion is lightened with humor as they recall cinematic portrayals and share a laugh about wild boars.
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insights INSIGHT
Arthur's Early Military Role
Early Arthurian mentions date to post-Roman Britain, around 450-550 CE, where Arthur may have been a military leader.
The legends evolved much later with additions like Merlin, Lancelot, and the Round Table in medieval romances.
insights INSIGHT
Geoffrey of Monmouth's Influence
Geoffrey of Monmouth's 12th-century "History of the Kings of Britain" popularized Arthur and added key elements like Uther Pendragon and Merlin.
His work sparked widespread adaptations and expansion of the Arthurian legend across Europe.
insights INSIGHT
Origins of the Round Table
The Round Table concept predates Chrétien de Troyes and was introduced in adaptations by the translator Wace.
Chrétien introduced other famous elements like Lancelot and the quest for the Holy Grail but not the Round Table itself.
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Geoffrey of Monmouth's "Historia Regum Britanniae" is a 12th-century work of pseudohistory that profoundly shaped the narrative of King Arthur and early British history. The book presents a romanticized and largely fictional account of British kings, tracing their lineage back to Troy. Geoffrey's work introduced many key elements of the Arthurian legend, including Arthur's parentage, his magical sword Excalibur, and his battles against Saxon invaders. While not historically accurate, the "Historia Regum Britanniae" had a significant impact on subsequent literary and artistic representations of Arthur and his court. Its influence on the development of Arthurian literature is undeniable.
Le Morte d'Arthur
Sir Thomas Malory
Mabinogion
John Morgan Edwards
The Mabinogion is a collection of Welsh prose tales, considered a cornerstone of Welsh literature. These stories blend mythology, folklore, and romance, offering insights into the beliefs and values of medieval Wales. The tales feature a rich cast of characters, including gods, goddesses, kings, and queens, and explore themes of love, war, magic, and fate. The Mabinogion's influence extends beyond Welsh culture, inspiring artists, writers, and scholars for centuries. Its enduring appeal lies in its captivating narratives and its exploration of timeless human experiences.
Greg Jenner is joined in medieval Europe by Dr Mary Bateman and comedian Mike Wozniak to learn all about the legends of King Arthur.
Most of us have heard of Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table. But where do these legends come from? Arthur first appears in the writings of a 9th-Century monk, but he’s not the king we know today: no Merlin or Lancelot, no Excalibur, and no Camelot. These elements were added later, as the legends were retold and rewritten across Europe.
This episode traces the stories of Arthur and his knights from their early medieval origins, exploring the changes made as they were adapted over the centuries by everyone from French romance authors to Victorian poets, and taking in some famous medieval texts, including the Welsh Mabinogion and Malory’s Morte d’Arthur, as well as some lesser-known tales. Along the way, we also look at the places in modern Britain that still bear Arthurian names and the wacky artefacts that have been associated with the legendary king, and ask the crucial question: did King Arthur really exist?
This is a radio edit of the original podcast episode. For the full-length version, please look further back in the feed.
Hosted by: Greg Jenner
Research by: Hannah Cusworth and Jon Norman-Mason
Written by: Jon Norman-Mason, Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner
Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner
Audio Producer: Steve Hankey
Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands
Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse
Executive Editor: James Cook
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