I often wonder on the continual regeneration of the legend of King Arthur. The 'Once and Future King.' Historical versus mythic. King versus Chief. Splendour versus the Wasteland. Never too far away.
Scrolling through
As I scrolled through the offerings on Netflix the other night I came across the BBC show 'Merlin'.
I watched this when it first came out as well as Channel 4's 'Camelot' which only ran for one series if I remember correctly. There is also the Netflix series 'Cursed' which I have watched too.
It appears that the west and the world needs it's Arthurian fix every now and again.
Maybe the important question is why?
The Quest
As one who has been interested in the Arthurian saga and it's associated characters for most of my life I have sometimes wondered if it holds real importance. After much research and seeking on this quest I no longer wonder. It has become a significant part of the Western Mystery Tradition.
Maybe it rests deep within our psyche, a whispering remembrance that never quite goes away.
Remembrance being the key.
I am not the only one who recognises that Christianity is a 'desert' religion imposed upon a 'forest' people.
I am not anti-Christian I hasten to add. We all find our own way to the light. One must also realise that the Arthurian story itself has been Christianised. But even myths may shape shift to ensure survival...and survive...the myth has.
King
The fact remains that if one reads scholarly literature it is true that there is no mention of Arthur as a king.
Commander in Chief
Dux Bellorum is more accurate. Roman for Commander in Chief of the forces.
Welsh/Ancient British God
Maybe the name changed over time but many relate it to the Bear and the constellation Ursa Major.
Historic versus the Mythic
This is an important question to get to grips with. I recently moved from Glastonbury after living there for six years. My visits span back thirty. King Arthur's grave is located in the abbey. Or so some people believe. Personally I am of the belief that the monks at the time of the discovery needed to encourage visitors to the abbey so Arthur's final resting place was unearthed. Many think this. There are others who believe he is indeed interred there. I like to explore such things. As a result I have come down on the side of the grave being false. The re-appearance of the now lost lead cross that was found with the grave would really help!
Glastonbury also revels in myths of the Grail and even a visit by the young Christ. Again, if one explores the evidence, historically it does not really stand up to scrutiny.
However...on a mythic level things are very very different. Arthur and the associated archetypes of Myrddyn (Merlin), The Lady of the Lake etc can really come to life. They dwell in the Otherworld like many other mythical archetypes and they can be contacted. Interactions can take place and knowledge can be found. Glastonbury is a very good place to start but there are many sites related with these archetypes across Britain. I have visited many and it all adds to the rich tapestry of myths in which the British Isles is steeped.
In my experience, proof is often a barrier between the realm of men and the realm of spirit. Many years of conditioning has led to this. I am pretty sure our distant ancestors did not struggle with this as they, themselves, were living proof of the blending of the two.
So...
King? Commander in Chief of the dark age Celts? Welsh God with a name change? Whatever or whoever Arthur is to us, one can be sure that his memory ( however interpreted) will live on.
Thank you so much for reading. If you are drawn to the Arthurian Saga yourself there are many sources that you can delve into to find out more. The books I list below are ones (among many) that I have personally read and would recommend. I must emphasize here that there are affiliate links added to the books which means if you buy them via this website I get a small commission.
The Arthurian Tradition By John Matthews
King Arthur and the Grail quest By John Matthews
The Landscape of King Arthur By Geoffrey Ashe
NENNIUS Arthurian period sources vol 8
British History and the Welsh Annals Historically, Nennius was the first to mention Arthur
PLEASE NOTE THIS BOOK IS EXPENSIVE AND IS MORE FOR ARTHURIAN GEEKS!
Thanks once again for reading. There is a contact page if you wish to get in touch.
Best wishes
Paul
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