Learn About The Program

Read the details of the programs offered for grades K-12 and youth groups, including Girl Scouts
Click Here

See the Testimonials

Read testimonials from people who have seen the program or watch video interviews with participants
Click Here

Sign Up for the Newsletter

Sign up for the newsletter (on real paper) that goes out every two months of the school year
Click Here

King Arthur

Origin: Celtic Legend

Heroic Values: Achievement, Courage, Vision

Background

King Arthur first appeared in a Welsh poem in 594 but his name appears in many texts over the following centuries. His story became highly popular in the middle ages after being written by Geoffrey of Monmouth. Not long after Malory wrote "Le Morte D'Arthur" which became the standard story of Arthur.

Arthur was the hidden son of Uther Pendragon, king of England. When Uther died there was no heir to the crown. The wizard, Merlin, placed a sword in a stone, stating that whoever could pull the sword was the rightful king. Arthur pulled it out as a young man and was crowned by Merlin. Many nobles rebelled against this claim and were beaten in battles by Arthur. He later married Guinevere and received a round table from her father. He gathered knights from all over the land to live with him at Camelot and reigned over a golden age of Britain. Some time later, his best knight, Lancelot, ran away with Guinevere. Arthur followed them, leaving Mordred in charge. Mordred betrayed Arthur, which led to the final battle on Salisbury Plain where both Arthur and Mordred died. Arthur is said to have been taken to Avalon where he waits to return at Britain's hour of greatest need.

Sources

Wikipedia
The online encyclopedia

King Arthur's Knights
History & Legend