All civilizations create their own stories and myths. Some are based on fact while others are purely fiction. In times of desperation, especially in the dark ages, people looked to stories to get their minds off reality. In these times, tales of past heroes and, chivalry gave many people a renewed faith in life. The majority of these stories were associated with the legendary King Arthur. .
The first accounts of Arthur's existence came from Anglo Saxon origins. These were mostly stories passed down by word of mouth. The first full-length written story was by Geoffry of Monmouth in 1136. In 1470 Sir Thomas Mallory wrote the fist of the versions we know today. These and many other authors took the Arthurian legend to new boundaries, making them both entertaining and inspirational. With so many different authors there are many different ideas on his life.
Generally Arthur was the son of Uther Prendragon, an overloard who took over much of England with the help of Merlin the magician. Merlin took away Uther's first-born son for payment. When Uther died England was left without a king and fell into a state of chaos. To once again unify the land Merlin proposed a search for the true heir the throne. He forged a sword into a rock and proclaimed that the person who pulled it out the true next king of England. Arthur did pull it out and was proclaimed king. Merlin also brought him to the lake of Avalon was he was given Excalibur, the sword that made him invincible. He fought 12 battles to regain control of the land and set up his kingdom in Camelot. .
One of the biggest characteristics of his time in power was the round table. Since sitting at the head of a square t table was a sing of supremacy the table were he and his knights met was made round to show that no one person was better than the other. His nights were his most trustworthy friends and his empire appeared perfect.
Arthur also took a wife, princess Guinevere, even though Merlin told him if he married her Arthur would loose his empire.