Introduction to the Origins of King Arthur's Folklore

The legend of King Arthur has captivated imaginations for centuries, weaving a rich tapestry of mythical figures, valorous adventures, and mystical objects. But how did these stories, rooted in ancient myths and sagas, become so well-known and legendary?

The Birth of the Grail Myth: A Myriad of Legends

One of the earliest records of a sacred vessel symbolizing eternal life is the grail, which is first documented by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus in 425 BC. According to him, the legend of the grail, a golden cup that descended from heaven, was tied to the myth of Prometheus and his binding near Mount Elbrus. The concept of a divine vessel that-bestowed eternal life and served as a symbol of divine presence has roots in various ancient cultures.

The Nart Sagas: A Link to Early Celtic Legends

The Nart sagas, originating in the Caucasus Mountains during the birth of the Bronze Age, form the primary myth of Abazin, Abkhaz, Circassian, Ossetian, Karachay–Balkar, and Chechen–Ingush cultures. These sagas tell the stories of strong, warrior-like figures known as the Narts, who engaged in epic wrestling matches and battles. The term "Nart" translates to "hero" in Ossetian, reflecting their status in these cultural narratives.

Arthuriac Legends and Their Cultural Transfer

According to the book From Scythia to Camelot by C. Scott Littleton and Linda A. Malcor, some aspects of the Arthurian legends are believed to be derived from the Nart sagas. They speculate that the transmission of these myths occurred through the Alans, a branch of the Goths who migrated into northern France during the time the Arthurian legends were forming. The similarities between the Arthurian tales and the Ossetian versions of the Nart sagas are particularly striking, highlighting the potential cultural exchange that led to the development of Arthurian myths.

Early Literary Sources: From Historia Brittonum to Annales Cambriae

The first written mention of Arthur comes from Historia Brittonum, a work by Nennius written in the 9th century in present-day Wales. This text mentions 12 battles fought and won by Arthur, who is described as a warrior-leader. Also included in this text is the first reference to Taliesin, a sixth-century Welsh poet. The Spoils of Annwfn connects Arthur with the raid on Annwn, a mythic Otherworld.

The Annales Cambriae, or Annals of Wales, compiled in the 12th century, features key events related to Arthur, such as the Battle of Badon (c. 516) and the Battle of Camlann (c. 537). These annals document Arthur's miraculous carrying of the cross of Jesus for three days and nights during the Battle of Badon and the fall of Arthur and Medraut (often identified as Mordred) at the Battle of Camlann.

The Pseudohistorical Account of Arthur: Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae

Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae, or The History of the Kings of Britain, is a pseudohistorical account of British history written around 1136. This work, originally titled De gestis Britonum, or On the Deeds of the Britons, chronicles the lives of the kings of Britain over two thousand years, beginning with the arrival of the Trojans and continuing until the Anglo-Saxon invasion in the 7th century. Geoffrey's account significantly influenced later Arthurian romances and transformed Arthur into a more mythic figure.

From Manuscripts to Manuscripts: The Book of Aneirin

The Book of Aneirin, a late 13th-century Welsh manuscript, contains Old and Middle Welsh poetry attributed to the 6th-century poet Aneirin, who is believed to have lived in present-day Scotland. Aneirin's work, including the Y Gododdin, reflects the warrior ethos and the importance of epic narratives in early Welsh culture.

Literary Triumphs: Chrétien de Troyes and Wolfram von Eschenbach

French poet Chrétien de Troyes, active from 1165 to 1180, wrote five Arthurian romances before his untimely death. Inspired by an Irish manuscript, Chrétien's works, including his incomplete poem "Perceval ou Le Conte du Graal," introduced the concept of the Holy Grail to the Arthurian legends. Wolfram von Eschenbach, a German knight, poet, and composer, wrote his version of Parzival in the 1220s, following the publication of Chrétien de Troyes' unfinished work. His version of the tale quickly became the most popular in Europe, inspiring Richard Wagner's famous opera Lohengrin, which opens with the descent of the grail from heaven.

Thus, the journey of King Arthur's folklore from its ancient roots to the literary triumphs of medieval Europe is a testament to the enduring power of myth and legend across cultures and time.