Король Артур. King Arthur

King Arthur is one of the central figures of British and European folklore, a semi-mythical ruler who has become a symbol of chivalry, justice, and unity. His image has been shaped by a combination of history, mythology, and literature.

There was no single historical figure known as King Arthur. Instead, he is believed to have been based on one or more military leaders who lived during the 5th and 6th centuries AD, during the struggle of the Britons against the Anglo-Saxon conquest. His name was first mentioned in a Welsh poem around 600 Anno Domini.

The main elements of the legend

· The Sword in the Stone (Excalibur): Arthur proved his right to the throne by pulling the sword out of the stone (according to another version, the sword Excalibur was given to him by the Lady of the Lake).

· The Round Table: The table where Arthur's knights gathered. It was round to ensure that no one was favored and that everyone was equal.

· Knights of the Round Table: The most valiant and noble warriors (Lancelot, Gawain, Perceval, Galahad, and others) who sought the Holy Grail and performed heroic deeds.

Geoffrey of Monmouth: In The History of the Kings of Britain, he provided the first complete biography of Arthur.

Significance and Legacy

· A symbol of the ideal ruler who united the country and established a code of honor.

· A fundamental myth for English and European literature.

King Arthur is a figure whose historical reality has given way to a powerful myth. This myth has reflected human ideals for centuries: the pursuit of justice, loyalty, courage, and the hope that a great hero will return to save his people in times of need.