TELEVISION

King Arthur: History and Legend

Series: Great Courses
4.4
(68)
sign up
Episodes
24
Rating
TVPG
Year
2015
Language
English
Publisher
The Great Courses

About

The saga of King Arthur and his court is the most enduringly popular mythic tradition of Western civilization. For over 1500 years, the Arthurian narrative has enthralled writers, artists, and a limitless audience spanning the Western world and beyond-and its appeal continues unabated in our time. Delve into the historical mystery behind the figure of Arthur, and discover the magnificent breadth of these epic tales.

Related Subjects

Episodes

1 to 3 of 24

1. The Origins of King Arthur

30m

sign up
First, consider images of the Arthurian legend familiar in Western culture, and their relationship to historical reality. Trace the history of post-Roman Britain, the large-scale invasions of the Anglo-Saxons, and evidence that a single, extraordinary individual rose from the chaos to lead and save his people.

2. An Arthur-Like Figure in Cornwall

30m

sign up
Investigate archaeological and historical evidence that support the existence of an Arthur-like figure in early Britain. Learn about the site of Cadbury Castle, the center of operations of a leader of great military and logistical skill who thwarted the Saxon invasion. Learn also about important lore surrounding the supposed tomb of Arthur.

3. King Arthur in the Latin Chronicles

30m

sign up
Now explore some of the most significant early witnesses to the Arthurian legend. In Latin texts by the chroniclers Gildas (6th century) and Nennius (9th century) and in the Welsh Annales Cambriae, study accounts of Arthur's exploits and death in battle. Learn how 11th- and 12th-century texts later embellished the legend, elevating Arthur as a godlike hero.

4. King Arthur in Wales-The Mabinogion

30m

sign up
Grasp how Arthur became a cultural touchstone early in Welsh history. In texts such as the Black Book of Carmarthen and the Triads of the Island of Britain, uncover key references to the Arthurian saga. In the tales of the Mabinogion, observe the portrayal of Arthur as an exalted royal personage.

5. Monmouth, Merlin, and Courtly Love

30m

sign up
Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of the Kings of Britain is arguably the most important literary artifact of the Arthurian tradition. Learn about the political nature of the text, the important elements and characters that Geoffrey wove into it, and how he established the basics of the Arthurian legend as we know it.

6. The Round Table-Arthur in Wace and Layamon

30m

sign up
Discover the contributions of the Anglo-Norman scribe Wace, who translated Geoffrey of Monmouth's text into Old Northern French, and the English cleric Layamon, who created the first comprehensive account of Arthur in English. Compare how Wace advances the notion of courtly chivalry in the saga with Layamon's more brutal portrayal of Arthur's community.

Extended Details

  • Closed CaptionsEnglish