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Merlin series, 2008-2012
Sir Nate:
--- Quote from: Sir Edward on 2014-02-07, 03:46:28 ---I think in most of the original stories, the sword in the stone actually was not Excalibur. ;)
The Arthurian legends are similar to the Robin Hood legends, in that most of the original romances were not connected, except by the main character (Arthur, Robin Hood). Many of the supporting characters may only have been in one or two stories each, and often not together.
In the case of the Arthurian legends, most of the modern versions of it are based (to varying degrees) on Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur" (The Death of Arthur), a late 15th century compilation, since that's one of the largest attempts to consolidate it into a coherent story.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Morte_d%27Arthur
--- End quote ---
Ha I pulled the not Excaliber card. Get it! Pulled!
Anyway, I think the oldest known tale involving Arthur and his knights is actually Gawain the green. Which I think is over 200 years older than le morte d Arthur.
Sir Edward:
Technically all of the stories predate Le Morte d'Arthur by quite some time. Malory was compiling stories that had existed for centuries, most of which were in an oral tradition long before being written down. Because of this, we don't know how old any of them truly are.
Sir William:
I think my favorite Arthurian version to date is Cornwell's The Warlord Chronicles, set in 5th C Britain, as it is with Sir Wolf. Cornwell has such a grasp on language that his descriptions literally blossom in the mind's eye but it isn't just what you see; you can almost hear the slam of the shield wall, smell the grunting of the unwashed masses of pushing, reaching men, the clash and rattle of swords, axes and spears on shield rims and shield bosses and helms, taste the desperation as this one or that one lifts his arm for one great blow...and then you hear it. Thunder, in the distance as the hooves of 50 mounted warriors come charging out of the mists, swords glinting in the sunlight, bellowing in challenge...Arthur has arrived.
Of course, he does it way better...the characters are all pretty realistic for the most part, the story is the one we're all familiar with, just in a different period in time and without all of the shiny pageantry that is Malory's and de Troyes' Camelot. In fact, there is no Camelot, and Arthur is not the King. Intrigued yet?
Don Jorge:
--- Quote from: Sir Edward on 2014-02-07, 15:23:45 ---
Technically all of the stories predate Le Morte d'Arthur by quite some time. Malory was compiling stories that had existed for centuries, most of which were in an oral tradition long before being written down. Because of this, we don't know how old any of them truly are.
--- End quote ---
This. Malory was published as an Arthurian Anthology.
Sir Nate:
I actually have a theory on the myth of Excalibur.
Alright as you all know titanium when mixed with iron is the strongest metal.
Well you also know that many times Cornwall is associated with the Arthurian legends. And merlin did give uther the sword.
Well titanium was discovered at cornwall.
Say merlin was a smith, yet also very book smart.
Merlin finds this metal, does his stuff and finds it is even stronger than there finest Iron.
Someone important finds them and asks for a sword to conquer there enemy's. Excalibur is born!
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