You're Dead to Me Legends of King Arthur: from medieval literature to modern myth
Mar 7, 2025
Join Dr. Mary Bateman, a lecturer and author specializing in Arthurian tradition, and comedian Mike Wozniak, known for his sharp wit on shows like Taskmaster. They dive into the origins of King Arthur, revealing early portrayals of him as a military leader devoid of familiar elements like Excalibur. The duo discusses the evolution of Arthurian legends across centuries, from medieval texts to Victorian influences, while sprinkling in humor and trivia. Discover how these stories shaped culture and debate the timeless question: Did King Arthur truly exist?
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Arthur's Early Origins as a Leader
- The earliest references to Arthur place him as a military leader in post-Roman Britain around 450-550 CE.
- These texts suggest Arthur was not yet the legendary king with magical elements we know today.
Gildas' Account and Arthur's Absence
- The only near-contemporary account in Britain of the era Arthur might have lived is by monk Gildas.
- Gildas blames Britain's downfall on ungodly rulers but does not mention Arthur, crediting Ambrosius Aurelianus with victories instead.
Arthur in Welsh Mabinogion Tales
- The Welsh Mabinogion collection has early Arthurian tales with different settings and characters.
- Arthur appears as a king but without Camelot; his court is called Kelliwig located in Cornwall.
