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==The Arthurian Legend==King Arthur was once believed to have lived in They inspired many nobles during the Dark Middle Ages, in Britain and had fought the invading pagan Anglo-Saxons and he brought peace and plenty to abide by the land. It was once widely accepted that he was a historical figure but later he came to be regarded as only a myth or a figure out code of folklorechivalry. Today, many believe that Arthur was a composite figure and he was based on a number of the many Romano-Britain warlords that fought against Germanic invaders in the wake of the collapse of the Western Roman Empire <ref> Littleton, C. Scott, and Linda A. Malcor. From Scythia to Camelot (London, RoutledgeHowever, 2013), p 134 </ref>. The source of the Arthurian legend is in a number of Welsh chronicles and epic poems. In these Arthur is a ‘king’ who fights many battles against the Anglo-Saxons. His story was well-known and became popular and it was later taken up by French writers. These added to the Welsh tales and added many of the characters and the details that we are all now familiar with. The first reference to did the Knights of the Round Table was in the work of a Breton poet in the 11th century. Later poets added details to the Knights exist and created characters such as Gawain. Chrétien de Troyes is widely credited with weaving the story of the Quest for the Holy Grail into the tale of the Knights of the Round Table <ref> Littleton, p 123</ref>are they based on historical figures. de Troyes had This article examines if the fabled knights search for the Grail, which was the cup used by Jesus and the Apostles during the Last Supperhave some basis in fact. Since then It argues that the Knights story of the Round Table have become an integral part of the much-loved Arthurian cycle of stories. However, there is practically probably has no other references to the knights and the Round Table real basis in any other medieval sourcesfact, other than those associated with but that the Arthurian legends. Although there are chivalrous warriors were likely based on stories of elite fighters who fought for early medieval warlords and possible some place names historical figures whose memory survived in Wales and England that are called after the site of the Table, all of these are probably later inventionsfolklore.  ====The Arthurian Legend====

==The Knights of the Round Table==The Round Table King Arthur was according once believed to have lived in the Dark Ages, in Britain and had fought the sources a large circular table invading pagan Anglo-Saxons and he brought peace and was so big that up plenty to 150 knights could be seated at itthe land. The table It was round, unlike the typical rectangular version because there once widely accepted that he was a historical figure but later he came to be no knight who sat at the head regarded as only a myth or a figure out of the tablefolklore. It Today, many believe that Arthur was a composite figure and he was based on a symbol number of the many Romano-Britain warlords that fought against Germanic invaders in the wake of equality and represented the fellowship collapse of all the knightsWestern Roman Empire. According to the Arthurian cycle, the table was a gift to Arthur and his Queen Guinevere from her father, who was also a monarch<ref> SutcliffLittleton, RosemaryC. The sword Scott, and the circle: King Arthur and the knights of the round table Linda A. Malcor. From Scythia to Camelot (London, Random HouseRoutledge, 2013), p 167134 </ref> The source of the Arthurian legend is in a number of Welsh chronicles and epic poems. There were 100 knights in attendance on In these Arthur but there is a ‘king’ who fights many battles against the Anglo-Saxons. His story was well-known and became popular and it was room at the table for later taken up by French writers. These added to fifty more. As was his custom the ruler Welsh tales and added many of Camelot asked the advice of characters and the magician Merlin, details that we are all now familiar with regard to selecting more knights who would serve him and protect his realm. The wizard first reference to the Knights of the Round Table was to select in the knights based on their nobility and their record work of chivalrya Breton poet in the 11th century. Merlin assembled  Later poets added details to the required number Knights and he ordained that they should treat each created characters such as brothersGawain. Each knight had their own particular place at Chrétien de Troyes is widely credited with weaving the table. One chair was left unfilled and that was to be destined for a great knight, this was ultimately revealed to be Sir Galahad. The number of knights varied from story to story. The group of noble warriors is charged by Arthur with keeping peace in the land, protecting Quest for the Holy Grail into the tale of the weak, and they were expected to abide by a stern code Knights of chivalry the Round Table.<ref> SutcliffeLittleton, p 145123</ref>. After their formation they slay may dragons and monsters making the land safe and also subdue the enemies of Arthur. The adventures of the heroes inspired some great literature such as Sir Gawain and de Troyes had the Green Knight. The knights vow to go on a quest to retrieve search for the Holy Grail, which was the cup from used by Jesus and the Apostles during the Last Supper, and their subsequent adventures are portrayed in many medieval works. The works vary but several Since then the Knights of the knights, including Galahad, secured the grail. Despite their chivalrous code, the majority Round Table have become an integral part of the knights were killed on a variety much-loved Arthurian cycle of battlefields or searching for the grailstories. The dead were replaced by new members but some sources present them as inferior in character and bravery However, there are practically no other references to the original band. Only a handful of knights survived the terrible Battle of Camlann, which left Arthur mortally wounded. The brotherhood of warriors effectively ended after the battle and the handful of survivors became monks or wanders <ref> Syr Gawayne; a collection of ancient romance-poems, by Scottish and English authors: relating to that celebrated knight of the Round Table (Londonin any other medieval sources, J. Rother than those associated with the Arthurian legends. Although there are some place names in Wales and JE Taylor, 1839)</ref>. There is no more mention England that are called after the site of the Round Table, but it was presumably destroyed when Camelot was sacked and razed to the ground by the treacherous King all of Cornwallthese are probably later inventions.  ====The stories of the Knights of the Round Table have proven enormously influential and helped to spread ideas of chivalry and courtly-love in the Medieval period. ====

==Winchester Round Table==Winchester Castle is one Furthermore, they were expected to abide by a good of the greatest castles in England and it played a very important part in English historyhonor. It was originally built by William the Conqueror There are definite similarities between these Dark Age warriors and later rebuilt by Henry II, the ruler Knights of the Angevin Empire. In the Great Hall, there is a round oaken table hanging on the wall, which is brightly painted. This was reputed to be the original Round Table, of the loyal warriors of . The noble swordsmen who fought for Arthur, and around which they agreed can be considered to search for the Holy Grail. In fact, this table is not from the period when the ruler of Camelot reigned. It was probably built as part of one of the many ‘round table’ tournaments that occurred in Europe during the Middle Ages. These were tournaments with jousting, ceremonies, and festivities and were based on Arthurian legend. This Round table was probably made on the orders be a Christianised version of King Edward I during one such celebration an older warrior tradition <REFref>MorrisSutcliffe, Mark. "Edward I and the Knights of the Round Table." Foundations of Medieval Scholarship: Records edited in Honour of David Crook (2009)p 101</ref>.

==The Amphitheater theory==Warriors from folklore?====The Romans had occupied much of modern-day Britain Lancelot and the other heroes are all possibly derived from the 1st stories about brave companions to the early 5th century. They transformed British society and they built roads warlords and cities throughout the islandkings. During their centuries It seems highly likely that many of rule, the local people knights who served Arthur were often Romanized, especially those who lived in towns and citiesoriginally based on figures from Folklore. They adopted Roman norms and customs and one One of the most popular best-known characters among the knights of these the Round Table is Sir Lancelot was the games, especially gladiatorial games <ref> Zienkiewicz, J. David. The legionary fortress baths at Caerleon: The buildings. Vol. 1 (Cardiff, National Museum of Wales, 1986</ref>ultimately derived from a folktale. Many Romano-British cities and towns had amphitheaters and scholars suggest that he was originally based on a Welsh hero. This is also the remaining evidence they hosted Roman style gamescase with many others who served Arthur. Many Another example of these can still be seen and at one time there were a great many in Britain. In 2010 a theory emerged that was widely reported in the media and this is Sir Cardoc who appears to have been based on the internet. A historian claimed that ancestors of the amphitheaters inspired the legend Welsh kings of the Round TableGwent. He claimed , It is accepted by many that the buildings which are circular formed the basis for the round table legend. His argument was as follows, after the withdrawal some of the Romansknights, the local people continued to live mentioned in the cities at least in the fifth and sixth centuriesArthurian story-cycle are based on Celtic heroes. Local Brythonic warlords led the fight against the Anglo-Saxons and others used these declining urban centers as strongholds<ref> Frank A. The amphitheaters were perfect assembly points and presumablyMilne, a local leader would gather his fighting men in these buildings, for meetingsA. From this practice there emerged the story of a group of Christian knightsNutt. However“Arthur and Gorlagon”, Folklore 15, the theory that abandoned Roman amphitheaters inspired the stories of the Knights of the Round Table is a controversial oneno. There is no archaeological or documentary evidence that these Roman constructions1 [1904], had been used in the Dark Ages or by Romano40-British warriors.67</ref>

==Arthur and his warband==The origin It has been suggested that Arthur’s band of loyal men were based on very ancient warrior fellowships from Celtic myths. There are also those who believe that some of the Arthurian legend is in the Dark Ages, when heroes such as we have seen warlords carved out their own kingdoms Sir Gawain and fought endless wars. Now an examination of Romano-British his adventures are based on European myths and Celtic culture can help us to understand the inspiration for the story about the gallant knightslore. Arthur was based on one or more Brythonic warlords, who would have had an elite group of fighters <ref>Sutcliffe, p 17</ref>W. They would typically be high-born warriors who had been trained since childhood in the art of war. These may have been sub-kings or chieftains and they often helped him to administer his territoryP. These elite warriors would have been similar to the ‘sworn swords’ who had pledged to fight for their lord or king and often acted as his personal bodyguardKer. They were the companions of the monarch and expected to die for their ruler. Furthermore“The Roman Dumézilvan Walewein (Gawain)”, Folklore 5, they were expected to abide by a good of honorno. There are definite similarities between these Dark Age warriors and the Knights of the Round Table. The noble swordsmen who fought for Arthur can be considered to be a Christianised version of an older warrior tradition <ref>Sutcliffe2 [1894], p 101121-8 </ref>It is also entirely possible that the emblematic Round Table was also sourced from a now lost folk tale.

==Warriors from folklore?==Conclusion====Lancelot and the other heroes There are all possibly derived from stories about brave companions to the warlords and kings. It seems highly likely that so many of great legends involving the knights heroic band who served King Arthur were originally based on figures from Folklore. One Modern media has popularized these stories all over the globe. The story of the best-known characters among the knights fellowship of the Round Table is Sir Lancelot was ultimately derived from a folktale. Many scholars suggest that he was originally based on a Welsh hero. This is also the case with many others who served Arthur. Another example of this is Sir Cardoc who appears to most likely an invention but it may have been based on the ancestors of the Welsh kings of Gwentsome historical precedent, but we do not simply know. , It The story that it is held in Winchester Castle is accepted by many that some of the knightsa charming fabrication, mentioned in while the Arthurian story-cycle are based on Celtic heroes <ref> Frank A. Milne, A. Nutt. “Arthur and Gorlagon”, Folklore 15, no. 1 [1904], 40-67</ref>. It has been suggested that Arthur’s band of loyal men were based on very ancient warrior fellowships from Celtic myths. There are also those who believe theory that some of the heroes such as Sir Gawain and his adventures are Round Table was based on European myths and lore </ref>W. P. Ker. “The a Roman Dumézilvan Walewein (Gawain)”Amphitheatre, Folklore 5, nois not credible. 2 [1894], 121-8 </ref>. It is also entirely possible that The Knights of the emblematic Round Table was also sourced are not modeled on historical figures but are likely composite figures, drawn from a now lost folk taleseveral sources.

==Conclusion==There are so many great legends involving the heroic band who served King Arthur. Modern media has popularized these stories all over the globe. The story of the fellowship of the Round Table was most likely an invention but it may have been based on some historical precedent, but we do not simply know. The story that it is held in Winchester Castle is a charming fabrication, while the theory that the Round Table was based on a Roman Amphitheatre, is not credible. The Knights of the Round Table are not modeled on historical figures but are likely composite figures, drawn from several sources. The story of the knights, their heroism and chivalry are probably based on some ancient folktales, from the early Medieval period. The French writers who introduced the Round Table into the Arthurian cycle of tales also drew on contemporary notions of a Christian warrior and the emerging chivalrous code, to create the world of the Knights of the Round Table. They also added distinctively Christian motifs such as the Holy Grail to the story of Arthur’s companions. This led them to produce the memorable tales of the Knights of the Round Table.

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