Across centuries, the legend of King Arthur has been one full of myth, combining the ideals of chivalry, ancient folklore, and shadowy history into a powerful blend of mystery. Arthur’s legend truly has it all: shining halls in Camelot castle and the sacred pursuit of the Holy Grail. Arthurian tales have certainly defined the archetype of the noble king and the tragic hero.
But behind these richly embroidered medieval romances lies a far murkier question: was there ever a real Arthur? Historians and archaeologists have long debated whether a figure (perhaps a war leader, a tribal chieftain, or a Roman-British general) could have inspired the elaborate legends that we now attribute to King Arthur.
What does the legend say about him? And how much of it comes from history? Click through this gallery to find out.