The legend of King Arthur has fascinated people for centuries
Perhaps the most famous of British legends is the story of King Arthur. A guardian of the landscape, defender of the faith and keeper of country, Arthur’s story is powerfully intertwined with Cornwall and its place in Celtic Britain.
Like many legends, it has evolved over the centuries, reflecting changing attitudes to everything from masculinity to Christianity. Visit Cornish Myths & Legends to find out more, and to see art and artefacts related to the legend of King Arthur.
The Tintagel Connection
Tintagel Castle’s beautiful ruins sit atop a cliff edge in North Cornwall. The earliest remains are around 1500 years old, but its famous Great Hall was built around 1233 by Richard, Earl of Cornwall.
The island castle of Tintagel, cared for by English Heritage, is an atmospheric place to visit
It was certainly a seat of power, and there is evidence of feasting, luxury items and extensive structures. Perhaps this is why it was chosen as the birthplace of King Arthur. The castle is also featured in the legend of Tristan and Iseult.
The Legend
Legend has it that Arthur was born at Tintagel around 1500 years ago. Son of Uther Pendragon and Igraine, Duchess of Cornwall, he was born through a deception by Uther and the wizard Merlin. Uther left to lead his forces against invading Saxons. He was poisoned by them at a well when Arthur was 15.
Arthur’s story has roots in real places as well as magic and myth
Arthur was abandoned by Merlin, who watched from afar as Arthur was raised by Lord Ector. On Christmas Eve, a great stone appeared in a churchyard with a sword trapped inside it. Merlin had foretold that it could only be pulled free by the true heir to the throne. Arthur succeeded and became king.
Many years later, Arthur broke this sword during a battle. Merlin took him to a lake, where the water fairy queen Nimue, the Lady of the Lake and foster mother to Lancelot, appeared. She presented him with a sword forged on the mythical Isle of Avalon: Excalibur.
Arthur, with his knights, went on to defeat the Saxon invaders. He united much of Britain as a Christian king and married Guinevere. There are many tales of his and his knights’ exploits, including their search for the Holy Grail.
Stones have been discovered at Tintagel with inscriptions dating back around 1,500 years
He was eventually called away to Gaul to defeat the greedy Roman emperor, Lucius Hiberius. While he was away, his nephew Mordred seduced and married Arthur’s great love, Guinevere, and stole the throne.
Mordred and Arthur fought bitterly at the Battle of Camlann at Slaughterbridge near Camelford. Arthur defeated Mordred, but not before his nephew had dealt him a terrible wound.
Arthur was carried back to Tintagel, his sword thrown back into the lake. Catching it, the Lady of the Lake appeared to him once again, taking his body to Avalon to be healed. This ensured that he could return when he was needed to bring peace to Britain once more. Some say that he died that day but took on the form of a chough so that he could watch over Cornwall.