Some versions of the tale say King Arthur didn't pull the sword from a stone. Famous stories from the King Arthur myth include “The Sword in the Stone.” Many historians, meanwhile, dismiss his work, claiming it was likely medieval propaganda. Monmouth’s text was a huge success-it ultimately created the myth of King Arthur, the noble ruler. The text also outlined the history of King Arthur and featured famous figures such as Merlin and Guinevere. The figure of King Arthur became popular after 1136, around the time Geoffrey Monmouth wrote the Historia Regum Britanniae ( History of the Kings of Britain), which claimed to chart the history of the British monarchy. The King Arthur legend first appeared in a 12th-century text.

Yet there’s no mention of this Arthur being a king, and he lived hundreds of years before King Arthur supposedly did. The writings of ninth-century Welsh monk Nennius first refer to a 5th-century warrior named Arthur leading an army to fight against invading Saxons. Early writings portray Arthur as a warrior, not a king. Regardless, the world has continued to be enthralled by the myth and the world of Camelot.

Yet despite his legendary status, there’s little evidence to suggest the man existed at all. Whether it’s been on stage or screen, in literature and comics, or inspiring kings and politicians, the legend of King Arthur has continued to evolve across generations. King Arthur is a name that stirs up associations of chivalry, honor, and courtly love-or, if you're a Monty Python fan, knights who say “ni!” and fathers who smell of elderberries.

No Such Thing by A.M. Arthur