Why The Legends of King Arthur Will Never Die
The legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table have captured audiences for years. There has been a wide variety of interpretations in books, films, and TV shows, ranging from whimsical to tragic, from religious to irreverent. Audiences are transported to Camelot, where mystical swords, wizards, knights, and dragons rule. Recently, I have seen a couple of shows and a movie centered around Arthurian legends (don’t worry, I’ll share!). As I watched, I started to wonder, where did these stories come from? Not only that, but why are they as compelling now as they were when they were first created? So, I did some research.
It turns out that these legends have been popular for nearly a millennium! According to Ancient History Encyclopedia, the first account of King Arthur is credited to the Welsh cleric Geoffrey of Monmouth. His work History of the Kings of Britain, written in 1136 CE, is the first to describe Arthur as a war hero wielding a sword with a name, and with a great amount of power. It also introduces characters that appear in the legends as we know them today, including Guinevere, Merlin, Sir Bedevere, Uther Pendragon, and Mordred. Geoffrey of Monmouth credits his tales of Arthur’s battles to a translation of a mysterious ancient book, but in reality, he made up most of the history.
Geoffrey of Monmouth’s stories were so compelling that other authors took notice and began adding in their own ideas. The French poet Robert Wace translated the work into French, but included new elements like the Round Table, and renamed Arthur’s sword to Chaliburn, which in English translated to Excalibur. Other French poets, German poets, and English poets added their marks onto the legends, resulting in the quest for the Holy Grail, the character of Sir Lancelot, the sword in the stone, and magical elements, among others. Each version of the story branched further out, ever-evolving, but still centered on the original tale.
The common element for keeping these legends alive through the years is good storytelling. Audiences like to escape, especially to a world full of magic and heroism, and that has been the same since 1136 CE. Every so often another layer is added, making the stories fresh and new. This is what continues to push viewers toward the legends as time passes.
Now, I promised you recommendations, and I will deliver. Here are the latest versions of the Arthurian legends that I’ve been engrossed in.
Merlin (2008)
Merlin was originally a show on BBC One and Sci-Fi, which ended after five seasons, much to the outrage of its fan base. The show centers around a teenage Merlin, who is learning how to use the magical powers that he was born with, and move toward his destiny. Unfortunately, that destiny appears to be protecting Arthur, who is as bratty as you can expect a king’s teenage son to be. The characters really make this show. Merlin is charming and awkward, and his struggle to find where he fits in is very relatable. His mentor Gaius is the type of person that you’d want to have as your grandfather. Arthur is a hothead, but the more you get to know him, the more you realize he is good at heart. Morgana and her maidservant Gwen (yes, short for Guinevere) are both strong, outspoken women who are trying to find their way at court as best they can. Each episode has a small arc, which is part of the show’s broader themes and conflicts that tie the story together. The special effects aren’t half bad, either. You can find all five seasons on Netflix.
Cursed (2020)
The focus of this show is Nimue, better known as the Lady of the Lake, or the guardian of Excalibur. Similar to Merlin, Nimue is a teenager in this story, living with her family and a curse that gives her more power than anyone else in her village. It has made her an outcast and feared among her people, the Fey. When her village is destroyed by a radical religious group and a sinister cloaked figure, her mother instructs her to bring a magical sword to Merlin. I am captivated by Nimue’s story and this interpretation of her curse and destiny. This show’s take on the characters is quite different from Merlin, but that’s what makes the ever-developing nature of these stories great. Merlin is middle-aged and reckless, and Uther is much more of a dictator. Arthur is a supporting character, but he is not Uther’s son or a knight (at least not yet). Come for the fresh take on the legends, stay for Squirrel, and Merlin’s serious Captain Jack Sparrow energy. You can find season 1 on Netflix.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Possibly the most quoted film of the early 00’s, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a slapstick-filled parody of the Arthurian legends, with a helping of dry British humor. I’m not sure why it blew up so many years after it was released, but I’m not complaining. This film follows Arthur, Sir Galahad, Sir Lancelot, Sir Bedevere, and “brave” Sir Robin, as they search for the Holy Grail after being tasked by God. They adventure through insults and taunts, plague-filled villages, deadly animal encounters, and across dangerous bridges, while learning the merits of bravery, self control, wit, and knowledge of both African and European swallows. This movie is perfect if you need something light and fun, and I return to it often. The humor is definitely absurd, but that is what makes it a unique experience and interpretation of the legends. If you like bits of animation and fourth wall breaks, you’re in for a treat. You can find it on Netflix.
What are your favorite shows and films about Arthurian legends? Let me know in the comments!
Originally published on our WordPress website on August 18, 2020.
