Postcard History

King Arthur is a legendary figure in British folklore and medieval literature. He was most often pictured and described as a noble and heroic king who led the defense of Britain against Saxon invaders. In the lore of the early medieval period, he is associated with the Knights of the Round Table, Camelot, and quests for the Holy Grail.

Nevertheless, the very existence of Arthur is debated. Some historians believe him to be wholly fictitious, while other suggest that the “Arthur” legends are based on a real leader or perhaps a composite of several historical figures from the fifth or sixth centuries.

Key works detailing Arthur’s exploits include Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia Regum Britanniae, Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, and several medieval romances and ballads.

In literature Arthur is portrayed as an ideal king, one who exemplifies chivalry and honor. He is the single individual who inspired countless adaptations in literature, art, and film throughout the years.

Arthur’s story is still a fascinating tale that serves as groundwork for storytellers. Lo, fifteen centuries later, Sir Arthur Pendragon and later King, tops the list of those who had seats at the Round Table. The number of the Knights of the Round Table and their names vary greatly between the versions published by different writers. The number ranges from a dozen to hundreds.

The table was first described in 1155 by Wace (a common pronunciation of “Wace” rhymes with “Place”), who relied on previous depictions of Arthur’s knights. The symbolism of the Round Table developed over time; by the close of the twelfth century, it had come to represent the order of Arthur’s court. There were 24 seats at the table and one for Arthur.

Geoffrey of Monmouth’s tale was the first to suggest that Camelot was the seat of Arthur’s power. He too was responsible for the introduction of the characters that would become central to the Arthurian legend, such as Merlin, Guinevere, and Lancelot.

The Round Table was also a symbol of equality among Arthur’s knights. It signified a vast departure from the hierarchy of feudalism, where power and loyalty were strictly assigned to individuals. This innovation suggested that Arthur’s court was a place where nobility was judged on honor and valor, not birthright.

The knights of the Round Table form a roster of characters, each with his unique tale of bravery and loyalty. Figures such as Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, Sir Galahad, and others embarked on quests, upholding Arthur’s vision of justice and moral integrity. For one, Sir Lancelot became embroiled in a tragic love story with Queen Guinevere that glorifies flaws in men that impact the legend in many ways. The concept of each knight’s quest enhances the stories especially the one about a search for the Holy Grail, which represents the ultimate spiritual achievement.

During the Victorian era, King Arthur became a symbol of English nationalism, and the legends were reimagined with Victorian moralities. Tennyson’s Idylls of the King exemplifies this resurgence.

Today, what was once thought to be a Victorian copy of the Round Table is prominently displayed in the Great Hall at Winchester Castle. The Winchester Round Table features the names of Sir Galahad, Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, Sir Percival, Sir Lionel, and nineteen others.

The actual table is large (18 feet in diameter), and it hangs on the south wall. It weighs just over one ton at 2,400 pounds. The wood used in the creation has been determined as being from between 1250 and 1290 – much older than originally thought. That was the time of Edward I of England.

Martin Biddle, a British archaeologist and an emeritus fellow at Oxford University, after a thorough examination of King Edward’s financial accounts, claimed the table to be from a tournament King Edward held near Winchester in the year 1290. The event was held to celebrate the betrothal of his daughter.

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It seems that it’s true, some fathers will do almost anything for their daughter.