Finding Arthur

[Grizzly]

Thank you. Albeit likely before kilts, but I never suspected he was a Scot. And for the record, the real man was not a king, but the tanist to his father who was. His full name (in English) was Arthur Mac Aedan.

You will forgive me if I don't agree with you, whilst I will not contend that Arthur Mac Aedan existed and that you believe that he was the fabled King Arthur. I and many others remain sceptical as to the true identity of this mythical figure.

He remains buried on the isle of Avalon ready to rise again when this nation requires his services.

Cheers David ! Great thread.

[Grizzly]

What I will say about this thread is that David and I clearly have differing views on this topic, but the discussion has been courteous and conducted in a pleasant and amiable manner, I would happily spend a few jars discussing this topic at great length with him and ultimately agree to disagree.

We each have our respective views and our prepared to accept that we see things differently and we can both continue our online friendship without rancour or acrimony. This is the way that all discussions should be. What a dull place it would be if we didn't have contrary views.

[McClef]

The name Arthur is not unique to one individual and it is necessary to look at all the elements of the legend which has been coloured by the romances of Sir Thomas Mallory and from where he obtained his material.

The Welsh legends of Arthur include him paying visits to what would become Scotland, I must dig out the books I have on this when I get the chance.

[David Thorpe]

Well said, Simon. I sincerely hope that the discussion doesn't descend into any manner of rancor - religious, political or otherwise. I can't tell you how much I would enjoy discussing the subject with you over a wee dram or a pint or two.

Trefor, if the subject interests you, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I understand that both the southern English and Welsh legends have been enshrined over a millennium and a half. Ardrey addresses both how and why that happened. I will not attempt to inadequately do so here. I will say that his research was exhaustive, comprehensive and insightful and his evidence quite compelling.

Long live both Arthurs - the mythical King and the real man.

[Grizzly]

I have no doubt that it would indeed be a great discussion fuelled by a few pints of local ale in a hostelry of plentiful ales. I look forward to that and should you venture to these fair shores I would happily accompany you to Glastonbury to visit the Abbey and the Tor where you would at least be able to see the notion that indeed Glastonbury could have once have been an "isle".

To your very good health my friend - cheers

[MacGumerait]

David , wonderful thread . Thank you for sharing this info . I'm going to have to pick up Ardrey's book , this is a subject that has intrigued me for over 30 yrs . Always interested in learning about all viewpoints and research on this topic .

David and Simon , in my experience , discussing such an interesting subject over a few pints has always resulted with a whole new theory by the end of the evening .

Cheers , Mike

[Calgacus]

...Bede who wrote about the history of the kings of England in the 9th century made no mention of him at all...

Maybe that's because Arthur was a Scottish king?

(Ducks back down below parapet...)

[Father Bill]

From the point of view of pure fantasy/ speculation, Mary Stewart's Arthurian trilogy from the point of view of Merlin is a fun read. "The Crystal Cave" "The Hollow Hills" "The Last Enchantment."

[David Thorpe]

From the point of view of pure fantasy/ speculation, Mary Stewart's Arthurian trilogy from the point of view of Merlin is a fun read. "The Crystal Cave" "The Hollow Hills" "The Last Enchantment."

Aye. John Steinbeck did a marvelous job re-translating Mallory too.

[TheOfficialBren]

Aye. John Steinbeck did a marvelous job re-translating Mallory too.

The John Steinbeck? I had no idea! Good stuff. I have the Keith Baines translation which I have read many times. By far Mallory's version is my favourite. Mallory does make a lot of references to Scotland throughout and a recurring character is the fictional King of Scots, Carados. Sometimes an allly, sometimes an enemy. In one quest (if memory serves correctly) he accompanies King Arthur on a military campaign to Rome where he overthrows the (fictional) emperor Lucius. Launcelot is not yet arrived at the king's court nor has Arthur yet built Camelot at this point in Mallory's version.

I also like the Robin Hood legends. I have seen some Scottish connections over the years to varrying degrees in a couple of versions of old Robert Hode's story.

Got to love Medieval literature and legends!! Great thread!