Village of Tintagel 

For hundreds of years the area has been famous for its King Arthur legend, including the historic castle on the cliffs. For more than 800 years a magical tale has been told that Tintagel was the birthplace of the noble King Arthur.

He was protected from evil by Merlin the magician who lived below the castle in a cave.

As many mysteries remain about Tintagel as facts are known. Today the two are inextricably entwined and the village remains one of the most awe inspiring and romantic spots in the UK.

The castle is found in the spectacular setting of the dramatic north Cornwall coast. Atlantic breakers crash against the cliffs, and through Merlin's cave, as visitors climb the steep but breathtaking path to Tintagel Island.

The ruins of the 13th Century stronghold of the Earls of Cornwall continue to be explored by people from all over the world.

On the mainland itself, the gaunt remains of the medieval castle represent only one phase in a long history of occupation.

Fact

 In June 1998, excavations were undertaken under the direction of Professor Chris Morris of the University of Glasgow, on a relatively sheltered and small site on the eastern side of the island, first excavated in the 1930s. 
Pottery from the 5th and 6th centuries was found, as well as some fine glass fragments believed to be from 6th- or 7th-century Málaga. 

Even more remarkable was a 1,500-year-old piece of slate on which remain two Latin inscriptions. The second inscription reads: ‘Artognou, father of a descendant of Coll, has had [this] made.’ Who exactly Artognou was continues to be a subject for lively speculation.

Images;

http://www.greydragon.org/trips/Devon&Cornwall/th_tintagel026.jpg

(Looking out beyond the sheltered cove.)

http://www.greydragon.org/trips/Devon&Cornwall/th_tintagel027.jpg

(Tintagel is above and behind onthe left.  This railing overlooks to cove on the north side of the island. )

http://www.greydragon.org/trips/Devon&Cornwall/th_tintagel028.jpg

(the part of the castle that is on the mainland. )

Sabri P.

The History of Morgana

Morgan le Fay , alternatively  known as Morgan le Fay , Morgane , Morgaine and other names, is a powerful sorceress in the Arthurian legend . The first works that have not made ​​her character Morgana beyond its role as a fairy or magician. It became much more prominent in the later cyclical prose works such as the Lancelot Grail and the Post- Vulgate Cycle , which becomes an antagonist of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere

It is said that Morgan is the daughter of Arthur 's mother , Lady Igraine , and her first husband , Gorlois , Duke of Cornwall , so that Arthur (son of Igraine and Uther Pendragon ) is his half brother. It has at least two older sisters, Elaine and Morgause , the latter is the mother of Gawain , Sir Gaheris , Gareth , Agravain , with King Lot and usually the traitor Mordred , with Arturo . In Arthur 's death Sir Thomas Malory and elsewhere, is married , unhappily , to King Uriens of Gore and Ywain is her son .

In more modern interpretations of the Arthurian mythology , Arthur and Morgana seduces him conceive the evil Mordred , although originally in La Mort d' Arthur this role is assigned to Morgause or Anna , one of his sisters . One of the first works in fairy speak as the mother of Mordred Morgana is the opera Merlin by Isaac Albéniz , though here no mention of any type of incest. Probably , this facet of Morgana and Arthur's mother 's murderer was popularized by Marion Zimmer Bradley 's novel The Mists of Avalon and John Boorman in Excalibur film . In " The Mists of Avalon" , or Gwydion Mordred , Morgana is engendered by Arturo under the guise of Horned God , for Celtic Beltane rites in Avalon , the child grows up with Morgause and Lot in Orkney and this modern author manages to combine the two traditions . Recall that states that Geoffrey of Monmouth Mordred , like Gawain , the son of Lot and Anna , sister of Arthur. Arthur was married to Morgana King Uriens and this gave him a son , Sir Owein . But Morgana and her husband never got along , and once tried to kill him

In some legends , Morgana tries to conspire against stealing Excalibur Arthur and handed it to his beloved Sir Accolon to murder him . Arturo Accolon kills in a duel and retires to rest to a nearby convent . Morgana , enraged , steals the scabbard of Excalibur ( Arthur makes invincible ) and throws it into the sea. Then he sends a layer , apparently to reconcile but the king refuses. On the advice of Nimue , the Lady of the Lake and Merlin's successor , Arthur puts the maid of her sister. The layer sticks to your body and begins to burn as if by magic . The king saves his life and Morgana escapes away from Camelot.

Franco Tagliani

       T3

Dozmary Pool

Dozmary Pool in Cornwall is one of the legendary resting places of king Arthur’s sword Excalibur.
It is into these soulful waters high on Bodmin Moor that the most trusted knight Sir Bedivere is believed by many to have cast the sword of his master and king.
All of the king’s Knights of the Round Table die with him at the battle, save his long time friend and trusted companion, Sir Bedivere. Arthur, on his death bed, begs Sir Bedivere to take up his sword Excalibur and cast it into the Lake. In a state of fevered mind, Sir Bedivere takes the sword grudgingly from his master’s hand to the Lake.
Sir Bedivere throws the sword into the still waters of the lake, but before the sword touches the water, a mysterious hand and arm reach out to seize it in its flight. The knight watches as the arm slowly submerges into the rippling waters, and the king’s sword vanishes into the world of myth and mystery.
While still a youth, Arthur had received Excalibur from the water of a Lake, borne from the hand of a  Lasy of a lake. And now, as the king lies dying, the sword returns to its place of birth, to its watery womb-like scabbard, and so the circle from life to death is complete.
Arthur is free of the cares of this weary world, and it is now his time to rest.

If his last battle had been fought at nearby Slaughter Bridge, two miles north of Camelford; then perhaps we can suppose that the wounded king was carried by barge across the waters to the Isle of Avalon, perhaps this was to Glastonbury or to the Isles of Scilly.

This fascinating story has many Christian and pagan elements intertwined.
The Christian significance attached to water as a medium through which we are born again in baptism, through which we suffer judgment, enjoy forgiveness with the washing away of sin, and then we are born to eternal life.
Even from pre-Roman times there is wide-spread archaeological evidence of swords being cast into lakes and rivers as sacred offerings, especially at the time of a notably man’s death. Priestesses or goddesses ruled over many watery places, where offerings were commonly made to them.
Dozmary Pool is well worth visiting. It is high on Bodmin Moor, about twelve miles north-east, just off the A30, south of Belventor (home of Jamaica Inn).
Several other locations also have claimants to being the legendry Lake.  Tennyson believed the real place was Loe Pool, south of Helston.
The monks of Glastonbury Abbey said that Pomparles Bridge, in Somerset, or the 'Pont Perilous' as they believed it was originally called.
Where is the true Lake of the legend today? Visit Dozmary Pool and see what you think

 

 

By: Sofía Bortolosso

The history of Lancelot

In most romances and written in French prose Lancelot is characterized as the largest and most reliable of all the knights of King Arthur, always play an important part in many of the victories of King , but also the final fall of Arthur partly Lancelot himself , whose involvement with the wife of his lord , the queen Guinevere , destroys the unity of the royal court .

At an age between fifteen and eighteen, according to the custom of his time , the young Lancelot comes to travel the world with the proper equipment for someone of his rank and without knowing the true royal line . Travel , according to some writings , accompanied by an escort , towards the kingdom of Arthur, where influences of the Lady of the Lake , expected to be knighted .

Among his many exploits , conquer evil forces a castle called Dolorosa Guard , that make it your home , will change its name to Joyous Guard On his return to Camelot Arturo help end riots against him and set his position as a loyal knight of the king's court . Save numerous ladies of infinite dangers and helps " Sir Tristan " to hide his beloved Grail quest Embark undertaking great deeds on behalf of their queen . Although there is also a dark side to Lancelot deeply dishonored him throughout England , in one of his adventures goes to the mansion of a nobleman whose daughter is called "the beautiful maiden of Astolat " . This woman , also known as Elaine , falls in love with him and get putting on a garment that will look at a tournament, drawing the ire of his queen Guinevere . Lancelot flees angry and looking for Guinevere, leaving just yells with Elaine and so that, a few months died , asking her father to embark on a black barge with a letter to Lancelot , for everyone know what is likely to cause the ladies to Lancelot not match them . This provokes the wrath of Guinevere and Arthur , and it is from this moment that triggers the fall of the kingdom of Logris .

When Arthur learns by Morgana of the relationship that existed between Lancelot and his wife , condemns it to the fire and forever banishes Lancelot . This , however returns to Camelot and rescues Guinevere from its destination , killing the desire to some of his old comrades of the round table , so that the king is brought against it . In his absence , his throne is usurped by his illegitimate son , Mordred , which in the subsequent fight with his father to death . Guinevere , knowing the death of her husband enters a convent , so Lancelot decides to become a hermit, situation goes to the end of his days , only six weeks after learning of the death of Guinevere in the convent .

By : Fanco Tagliani

       T3

Excalibur: The Famous Sword.

Excalibur is the name of King Arthur's sword. The sword's name comes from the latin "Ex Calce Liberatus" which means: "Free from the stone"
It's not a normal sword, the story says this sword, is magic. Here, some "powers" that this sword had:

• Wounds recieved by one wearing the scabbard did not bleed at all. 
• It cannot be used for an evil act or it will break
• If someone holds it, he can not lie. 
• It can heal wounds
• Inspires courage in all men around the wielder. 

[In the "King Arthur and his knights" version] It appears on a lake of clear water. The "Lady of the Lake" was holding the sword in the middle of the lake. Merlin told Arthur to ask kindly to the Lady if he could have it. She told him to take her boat to get it. And he got it.  

The disappearence of the sword happens when Arthur asked to Perceval to throw the sword on the same lake he got it. Perceval did not wanted to do it, but he did it anyway, When he throwed it, a hand appeared and took the sword, and the great Excalibur got sunk. 

By Melissa V. 

Teens 3

Medival Weapons

These are some of the weapons that were used: 

Swords:

A sword fundamentally consists of a blade and a hilt, typically with one or two edges for striking and cutting, and a point for thrusting. The basic intent and physics of swordsmanship have remained fairly constant through the centuries, but the actual techniques vary among cultures and periods as a result of the differences in blade design and purpose. Unlike the bow or spear, the sword is a purely military weapon, and this has made it symbolic of warfare or naked state power in many cultures. The names given to many swords in mythology, literature, and history reflect the high prestige of the weapon.

Anelaces:

An anelace, also called an anlace, is a medieval long daggeror a very short type of sword. An anelace was sharp on both sides and could be carried at the small of the backor girdle. Two anelaces could be used in a paired fighting style similar to using a sword and parrying dagger.

Poignards

A poignard, or poniard, originally a French word, is a lightweight dagger employed in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It was primarily used for stabbing in close quarters or in conjunction with a rapier.

Flails

The military flail or simply flail is a weapon commonly attributed to the Middle-Ages but for which only a limited amount of historical evidence currently exists for most of this era.

María Sol Del Rosso.

The Holy Grail

The Holy Grail is a cup that is part of an important theme of Arthurian Literature. A grail, wondrous but not explicitly "holy". It is a processional salver used to serve at a feast. Chrétien's story attracted many continuators, translators and interpreters in the later 12th and early 13th centuries, including Wolfram von Eschenbach, who makes the grail a great precious stone that fell from the sky. The Grail legend became interwoven with legends of the Holy Chalice. The connection with Joseph of Arimathea and with vessels associated with the Last Supper and crucifixion of Jesus, dates from Robert de Boron's Joseph d'Arimathie in which Joseph receives the Grail from an apparition of Jesus and sends it with his followers to Great Britain. Building upon this theme, later writers recounted how Joseph used the Grail to catch Christ's blood while interring him and how he founded a line of guardians to keep it safe in Britain. The legend may combine Christian lore with a Celtic myth of a cauldron endowed with special powers.

The Holy Grail.

And, what follows is a video called "In Pursuit Of The Holy Grail" By: The BBC.

The round table

The Round Table is King Arthur's famed table in the Arthurian legend, around which he and his Knights congregate. As its name suggests, it has no head, it means that everyone who sits there has the same status. The table was first described in 1155 by Wace. The symbolism of the Round Table developed over time; it had come to represent the system of behaviour followed by knights in the medieval period of history, that put a high value on honour, kindness, and courage associated with Arthur's court, the Knights of the Round Table.

By: Valentina González

The Knights

The knight was an important figure in the feudal system of the Middle Ages. A knight was a warrior. He defended his king , his country and his church. He was a strong , courageous figure. He protected women, children,the poor and the weak. He fought for justice. He was generous with everyone.
Knights wore fine clothes. Their armour was heavy. Even their horses wore heavy armour. When a knigt fought, he usually carried a shield, a lance, a long sword, a battle-axe and a knife. Each knight had a shield with a particular colour an design on it.

By: Guido Romero.

Avalon

Avalon, island to which king Arthur was conveyed for the healing of his wounds after his final battle. Vita Merlini (c. 1150) described it as “the island of apples called fortunate.” It was ruled by the enchantress Morgan le Fay and her eight sisters, all of them skilled in the healing arts.

The name Avalon is relacionated with that of Aballach, a dark Celtic divinity. Avalon has been identified with Glastonbury in Somerset, and this may be connected with Celtic legends about an “isle of glass” inhabited by deceased heroes. It is equally likely to have been an attempt by the monks of Glastonbury to exploit the Arthurian legend for the benefit of their own community.

"The last dream of Arthur in Avalon". 

Castles

In King Arthr's time there were so many castles who were made to protect people who lived in small houses, so when someone attackted them they went to this  castles because it was very difficult to attack. Many people used to lived there too. Some of this castles were made of wood and others were made of rocks. It were built in mountains, near rivers or seas. There are still some castles, some of them are like museums and people go there and they see how  people lived in the past.

This is one of the castles, it name  is Camelot.

                                                                             By: Rocio Ramos

Detail of a miniature of a knight cutting off a woman’s head, Lancelot fighting the knight, and the knight kneeling before Guinevere and showing the woman’s head and body.

From BL Royal 20 D IV - Lancelot du Lac (N. France (Arras?), 1st quarter 14th century)

Merlin
Merlin was a great magican, he raised Arthur, he explained to Arthur all he know about the magic everyday. The years passed and King Urher died, so Merlin made a sword appear in a rock firmly nailed that said: "This is the sword Excalibur who get out the sword to the rock will be the King of England".
  Long after Arthur was the only man who could take the sword, so Merlin proclamed the king of England.


                                                             

                                                         
                                                                             By: Merlina Lopez 

Camelot in King Arthur’s time

Camelot

Camelot was a city surrounded by forests and meadows with plenty of open space for knightly tournaments (which were

held frequently). When a tournament was held, wooden reviewing stands for the ladies and maidens would be set up, one of which is mentioned as running for half a league (about 2.5 kilometers).

The text said that Camelot was a “rich and well provided town” but offers few details as to its layout or exact size. It was small enough that during a particularly lavish court so many barons and nobles came that “not a tenth of them could be lodged in the city of Camelot, and the others found shelter in the meadowland, which was wide and beautiful, in tents and pavilions,” 

The church of St. Stephen apparently contained a large burial ground as numerous knights are mentioned as being interred there.

Indeed, Camelot saw more than its share of wars in the Vulgate stories. The city’s defences were formidable, surviving a war against the Saxons and another invasion in which the Saxons were aided by Cornishmen. “After the bridges were raised and the gates shut, they [a group of knights] climbed high on the walls to see whether or not the Saxons were coming to storm the city, but the Saxons did not have the will,” reads a section of one story 

The text says that Arthur held court in a castle (or a tower as it’s sometimes called) furnished with a main courtyard, bedrooms, areas for feasting and, apparently, the Round Table. The castle is close enough to a body of water so that in one story Arthur could see a boat coming into Camelot holding what turned out to be a dead maiden.

While tournaments are held frequently the people of Camelot also enjoyed other, less-violent, forms of recreation. In one story, Lancelot gives King Arthur a fine chess set, knowing that Queen Guinevere is a good player.

According to one story, an inscription was found saying that the quest for the Holy Grail (a quest discussed at length in the Vulgate) must begin 453 years after the resurrection of Jesus. This gives a rough date for when Camelot was said to be flourishing.

By: Victoria Minervini

These are the different personalities of King Arthur

King Arthur's character has many faces.  He is shown to be kind, wise and generous on one hand, yet at the same time, he can be seen as a weak king who is stubborn, childish, and unable to make wise decisions for himself or for the good of the court. He is described by Nennius as a powerful warrior, who is able to personally slay 960 men in one charge. Wace shows him possessing leadership qualities as he establishes the Round Table to ensure that justice and peace prevail. In Celtic legends, Arthur is a supernatural hero who battles giants, monsters, and witches. He kills the Demon Cat of Losanne and hunts the boar Twrch Truyth driving him into the sea. 

Some literary work depicts Arthur as an ideal Christian hero and as among God's elect. Young Arthur is able to withdraw the sword from the stone because he has been chosen by God to be the next king. Officers in the Roman army carried shields bearing portraits of their emperors. Geoffrey describes Arthur having a shield with the likeness of the Virgin Mary; this is a perfect image for a Christian hero who is primarily under the authority of God.

Two Arthurs are present in Arthurian literature. One is an epic hero who is flawless and can do no wrong. He is the ideal, who is the symbol of the values of the Round Table. The second Arthur is more human. He is depicted as a two-dimensional character, with faults and imperfections. This Arthur is more popular, as the reader is better able to relate to an imperfect king than to an untouchable warrior. This Arthur feels fears, jealousy, and has doubts. However despite these flaws he always retains his prestige. Arthur continues to personify the ideal of the chivalric code and remains a glorious, beloved, and respected king whose authority stays intact despite his weaknesses. These qualities make King Arthur a true legend, which continues to fascinate and intrigue audiences throughout the generations. 

María Sol Dal Rosso.

Arthur's apparition on the media.

The king Arthur has been an icon of mythology hundreds of years ago, and he still is.
His image appears everywhere. Through the years, films, tv series, music, books, video-games, operas, and a lot of types of media, have recreated his image, remaking the myths,making their own stories about him or just mentioning him. Until today, King Arthur is represented in many ways.

Here are some of the media in which Arthur was part (or was mentioned):
►Excalibur [1981 Movie]
►Camelot [1967 Movie]
►Shrek third. [2007 Movie]
►Merlin [2008 serie]
►Quest for camelot [1998 Cartoon movie]
►Excalibur [Music album from Grave Digger]
►Emprise to Avalon [Death Metal album]

and much more!


Here, one of the movie's trailer:

By Melissa V.

Teens 3. 

Code of Chivalry

The Code of Chivalry was a moral system which went beyond rules of combat and introduced the concept of Chivalrous conduct - qualities idealized by the Medieval knights such as bravery, courtesy, honor and great gallantry toward women. The Codes of chivalry also incorporated the notion of courtly love. The Code of Chivalry was the honor code of the knight. The Code of Chivalry was an important part of the society and lives of people who lived during the Medieval times and was understood by all.

  

BY RONALDO, T301 

The (real?) Round Table

According to legend, the Round Table which hangs in the Great Hall of Winchester Castle is the table around which King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table met, and it has been famous for centuries for its associations with the legendary 'Once and Future King'. Although we now know that it originated many centuries later, the table’s mystique still remains.
It was probably created in about 1290, for a tournament near Winchester to celebrate the betrothal of one of Edward I’s daughters. When the table was taken down from the wall and investigated by a team of scientists in 1976, tree ring evidence and carbon dating placed it in the 13th or early 14th century which supports that idea.
Originally it was a standing table with 12 outer legs and a central support. It measures 5.5 metres in diameter, weighs 1200kg and was constructed from English oak. It has hung on the west wall of the Great Hall, Winchester since 1873, when it was moved from the east wall where it had hung since at least 1540, and possibly since 1348.
In the early years of King Henry VIII’s reign the table was painted with the Tudor Rose at its centre and is thought to portray Henry as King Arthur on his throne, surrounded by 24 places for his Knights of the Round Table.

By Paula