"King Arthur"

medieval histories and romances, led the defence of Britain against

the Saxon invaders in the early 6th century. Some scholars argue that Arthur was originally a fictional hero of folklore – or even a half-forgotten Celtic deity – who became credited with real deeds in the distant past.

Arthur's famous Round Table was first mentioned in about 1155,

in Wace's "Roman de Brut," a rewrite of the first popular Arthurian novel, Geoffrey of Monmouth's "History of the Kings of Britain". Wace explains that the King installed the table in order to prevent quarrels over seating precedence, as a circular table had no head. Later writers add that there had actually been brawls at Court over the matter.

- Always to flee treason - To by no means

be cruel but to give mercy unto him who asks for mercy - To always do ladies, gentlewomen and widows succor - To never force ladies, gentlewomen or widows - Not to take up battles in wrongful quarrels for love or worldly goods

by the French Romancers.

century as a mere prophet, but his role gradually evolved

into that of magician, prophet and advisor, active in all phases of the administration of King Arthur's kingdom.

to the Middle EnglishArthur (top centre) in an illustration to

the Middle English poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, late 14th century

hero of the 5th century has also made its way

into film versions of the Arthurian legend, most notably King Arthur (2004) and The Last Legion (2007).

word Art, meaning "bear". Three Bear-gods are known from the Celtic

world.

surprisingly, to a few motifs and names, but there can

be no doubt of the extent to which a legend born many centuries ago is profoundly embedded in modern culture at every level.