Did King Arthur Really Exist? | Animated History

No British ruler is shrouded in as much mystery as King Arthur. We all know of the tales of Excalibur, Camelot and the Holy Grail. But did the fabled ruler really exist?
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[@EnglishHeritage]

Thank you for watching! You may be feeling a sense of déjà vu - that’s because we have re-uploaded this animation with a few tweaks. The narration now better reflect King Arthur’s broader connections across the British Isles. We hope you enjoy our tale of how the legendary ruler came to be associated with Tintagel Castle and other historic places in England.

[@GGiblet]

Thank you so very much🌻

[@Panadking]

But he was referenced in Welsh legend long before then, should the question not be has the legend been stolen and anglicised to better suit the English?

[@dr.davidwho4053]

Hello. Good day to you English Heritage. May I suggest you read the book The Holy Kingdom by Adrian Gilbert, Alan Wilson and Baram Blackett.

[@abirahdri581]

I didn't really want to watch it I had to because it was my homework

[@gabemore1766]

@@Panadking after a vast research the bloodline family tree Constantine the great + fausta > fausta the younger + Leolin of caer colun > Magnus maximus + elen of the hosts > constantin the just + yvoire of ganis > uther pendragon + Ygraine of Avalon King Arthur. He was Welsh heritage

[@paulveitch5870]

"Argh!!! Your majesty, it happened again." Lmao xD

[@TheGau7]

Didn’t shrek go get him on a boat?

[@amandajay7922]

Aww, your profile pic made me smile from dear to ear 😍

[@TFSMF2]

Alright then, keep your secrets

[@parker-boy98]

That was just a movie.

[@gabri3l92]

@@parker-boy98 Yeah but based on true story I believe

[@lesterjohnston8888]

Eh across the chanel?

[@kaysdash8556]

English Heritage : TED ED Edition I approve this

[@legomego3333]

“Your majesty, it happened again!” 🤣

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

2:24 This made me laugh harder than it should have

[@shadyshelby8361]

I bet you just smiled

[@larger03]

Yeahh, same

[@laurabowden5]

“Your Majesty it happened agaaaiiin” 🤣

[@adelel6516]

I’m here because I harbour a long lasting emotional dependance on bbc’s Merlin

[@taravolna6192]

Saame

[@oniria4276]

yes bye

[@amandajay7922]

Samesies😘

[@amandajay7922]

@@beautyonabarnbudget cool! What's it called?

[@larger03]

Yep. Me too

[@april1969simnel]

Surely the knight falling into the sea from the can needs to be a GIF, already.

[@prettypic444]

Every British monarch should be judged on their ability to defeat Arthur upon on this eventual return

[@Naharu.]

I want to see Elisabeth and Arthur in a fist fight.

[@prettypic444]

the mermaid prince I think she could still take him (she’d probably smuggle in a wrench) but Charles is definitely a lost cause

[@bb22602]

I firmly believe that Arthur did return as King George VI (which would make Elizabeth Arthur's daughter). The legend said that he would return in the time of England's greatest need - and WWII was, IMO, definitely that time. Not only than, Merlin returned as well - in the person of Winston Churchill. (yes, I know it is legend only - but still, it was the time they would have most been needed)

[@saber-san6270]

King Arthur was actually a girl and partakes in the Holy Grail War, she likes a certain Japanese boy and his food, she also meet Gilgamesh and Medea and likes waterguns

[@GeoX242]

@Erik the Red its a reference to fate stay night lol

[@somethingsomething3974]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@NipponAsahi]

Nah... she is my waifu!

[@lesterjohnston8888]

How about some cheese cake 🎂 and a coffee ☕

[@hyrulphicsound]

Great animation and the little asides from the characters were entertaining! I learned a lot, thanks. I hope there's more to come!

[@rachelcollins8158]

As an American who loves history especially European and the America's history, this channel is wonderful. English Heritage does such a wonderful job bringing history to the modern audience and keeping them learning while having fun. I am just so impressed with this organization and its work. Our states each need something like this. Great job.

[@EnglishHeritage]

Thanks for watching, Rachel! That's very kind of you and great to hear

[@gabemore1766]

Welsh heritage!

[@achanwahn]

0:28 I’m getting Horrible History flashes xD I see where we’re going with this.

[@pippalowthorpe9237]

BBC did a really good documentary series on King Arthur, it came out in 2008 :)

[@lesterjohnston8888]

It does make sense the film in the roman army trained to be a great warrior that makes sense

[@bruxulaandrews5369]

Thank you for this video! I love Britain history and your legends about this! King Arthur and Merlin are my favorites.

[@ungodlysponge]

1:26 we all know James Acaster is the real king

[@laurametheny1008]

So much fun! I love these. Great for kids too! Lol. TY🇬🇧💚😍

[@debbieboring3422]

And the tale continues. I wonder how many stories are put together to form King Auther?

[@jfinnall]

So in conclusion, only his hair dresser knows for sure!

[@BestofUKChannel]

The man, the myth, the legend - one of our country's greatest. Love the animation! :) x

[@henriedavid]

1:29 Oooh so that explains why Fate adapted Saber to once become a man in life.

[@lemonybasil9423]

He was probably a real man whose actions eventually blended in with more ancient heroic legends. Because it was such a transitional time in British culture, many ancient tales were probably consolidated into the Arthurian storyline and given a Christian spin to keep it safe from the rampages of the dark ages.

[@hilaryc3203]

Not likely. Careful records were kept going back over 2000 yrs. It's more likely that he went by another name, which changed over time. Names were often a mix of Briton names, French and Roman names, and invariably they would wind up with about 5 or 6 spellings and they would shift ongoing. In my own family at that time, the surname spellings changed from one generation to the next. Very common for first names.

[@lemonybasil9423]

@@hilaryc3203 who is the first king recorded? What's the date?

[@lemonybasil9423]

@@hilaryc3203 do you believe the grail quest was a real thing that happened?

[@hilaryc3203]

@@lemonybasil9423 Don't you know how to look it up?

[@hilaryc3203]

@@lemonybasil9423 The Grail Quest was a book series. The Grail, or graal or..whatever language you choose to use is a myth that popped up long after the fact, about 900 or 1000 years ago. I don't believe in myths, I believe in facts or at least will form an opinion based upon the preponderance of evidence of which there is none in this case. Rumour was started that it was a miraculous cup....right off that sounds like utter nonsense. A quest..a search, sure foolish people might have been looking, but...that doesn't mean it exists. Makes for a good movie at times.

[@bigblue6917]

The British historian Gildas, who live just after Arthur was supposed to have lived, does not even mention Arthur. And as both were British you would have thought he would have mentioned him. And how good a source of information was Geoffrey of Monmouth. I seem to remember he wrote of a knight giving birth to a calf. Not what I would call a reliable witness. There is mention of an Arthur who ride with kings, which is probably where the myth started.

[@Sunshine-zm1fx]

These animated videos are fantastic! I'd love to see more!

[@Knappa22]

It’s clear that Arthur is some kind of compendium of heroic figures the Welsh (then called the British) recalled and idealised in their hundreds of years’ struggle with the invading Anglo Saxons and later Anglo Normans. That the legend has later been hijacked and claimed by the English is pretty ironic and, I suspect, galling to the Welsh (and Cornish) people!

[@gabemore1766]

Totally funny how all the names including all the knights are welsh names there’s more evidence of the legend King Arthur in wales

[@DIANA-rv7zn]

Jeah is Right and true!

[@lesterjohnston8888]

I think it's time for a break how about a jam donut maybe coffee ☕

[@christinethornhill]

👑 🗡 Thank you , English Heritage. Wouldn't life be a bore without a few Legends to fall back on ? 👌🏼

[@gospel2dgeek]

Wait! Are you telling me King Arthur isn't a 165cm blonde-haired green-eyed girl clad in a blue and white armor dress who shoots out golden beams of light out of her holy sword Excalibur? Next you're going to tell me that the blonde-haired green-eyed girl clad in a red armor-dress named Mordred isn't really her son.

[@saber-san6270]

I see fate fans

[@muzamilhossainy8477]

Very good video of King Arthur thank you

[@Endgame707]

King Arthur Was Italian 🇮🇹

[@TymoteuszBajor]

I really enjoy this video! I'm from Poland and I'm interest in history of England.

[@robinpbradford]

We need King Arthur now.

[@thorshammer7883]

I wonder how the Fate Arturia and Proto Arthur would react to their biggest fan.

[@TheSSUltimateGoku]

I don’t care what anyone says King Arthur was real. There is evidence to suggest that King Arthur was real just maybe not exactly the story that we’ve been told.

[@lesterjohnston8888]

Arthur was would have been in the roman army trained to be a good soldier that makes sense. But hopefully he was not on hedrians wall with the pictish tribes bombarding it

[@rupertprawnworthy758]

I like how the only character with any real historical grounding is Merlin, most people would assume he is the one character that is most obviously mythological though he is based on stories associated with a bard named myrddin wyllt

[@Football__Junkie]

Is this where they get that bit in Monty Python talking about building castles and them falling down and rebuilding? “They said it was a bit daft to build a castle in a swamp…”

[@zoetropo1]

King Arthur is Geoffrey of Monmouth’s tribute to Alan Rufus who oversaw the Priory’s foundation. Gaimar and Wace also wrote Arthurian tales and were admirers of Count Alan, extolling his prowess in the Battle of Hastings. The Bayeux Tapestry depicts him charging Earl Gyrth as Alan’s cavalry break the English shield wall and slay Earl Leofwine. Domesday records the valuable manors that Alan received from the division of Earl Gyrth’s estate, including Gyrth’s caput at Costessey in Norfolk, upstream of Norwich. Alan designed and master-built Richmond castle and St Mary’s Abbey York. The Honour of Richmond was often held by the baron most trusted by the king. In the 15th century, the War of the Roses was decided by a battle between Henry Tudor, the Earl of Richmond, and Richard III who was raised in Middleham in Richmondshire.

[@smn4481]

I miss BBC Merlin even more now😭😭😭

[@lesterjohnston8888]

Specially with a jammy dodgers in your hand and a Costa coffee ☕ crack on

[@Elisa-dk9cv]

According to Gildas, a British abbot and historian, who lived in the 6th century, there was a Roman-British leader, called Ambrosius Aurelianus, who won important battles against the Anglo-Saxons. In the 5th century, according to Gildas and according to subsequent legends preserved in the Historia Brittonum of Nennius, Ambrosius took power in 479. Some scholars have speculated that he was the leader of the Romano-British in the battle of Mount Badon and that it could therefore be the basis of the figure of king Arthur. However, in his Historia regum Britanniae, Geoffrey of Monmouth was not the first to mention the figure of King Arthur, but he clearly referred to the works of Nennius and Gildas.

[@gabemore1766]

Anglo Saxons we’re the English at the time

[@notBrie]

What about the holy hand grenade?

[@lesterjohnston8888]

A shucks son let's cool 😎 it down and have some ices maybe a Costa coffee?,

[@tamer666]

To anyone interested in some proper research on the subject then check out the work conducted by Graham Philips who has compiled a good deal of convincing evidence. If you dont fancy spending out on one of his books and want something more summarative and lightweight then look for Jamie Theakston's forbidden history: King Arthur (avaialble on uktv player I beleive) as he interviews philips on his discoveries. Hopefully this time English Heritage wont disable the comments because I point something out that they might have missed :P

[@jinijinxed6839]

DK's gonna be a legend too. I mean he already is but now he's gonna be double the legend.

[@chenoaholdstock3507]

But I watched this months ago! Why is it back in my feed? I'm confused.

[@EnglishHeritage]

Hi Chenoa. We took on-board comments from our subscribers and made some tweaks so that the video better reflects Arthur's broader connections across the British Isles, so it has been uploaded a second time. We hope you enjoy!

[@thaishcsato]

I was confused too.

[@lesterjohnston8888]

Probably your hungry chuck

[@JustMeJH]

But wait, there's more... Arthur was Roman. Or Arthur's story was a blending of both versions of an English king and a Roman ruler, thus creating an amalgamation character taking on characteristics of both. And don’t forget the monk who heavily embellished Arthur's story in the 15th/16th century (I can’t remember when). I understand that this is a series made of short videos, but even mentions of these relevant issues would have created a far more accurate account of Arthur.

[@summonersumnerus4364]

I remember reading about a Roman Officer that was sent to Britannia around the 5th century called Artorius to help fight off the Saxon Invaders or something. King Arthur is probably a mix of local legends, historical characters and myth all put together by the Author.

[@achanwahn]

15/16th centuries are 200 - 300 yrs after this book was written. So the embellishments are unnecessary to explore. That’s like saying, we need to mention the novels from the 19th & 20th centuries about King Arthur as well. That is a moot point. This video is talking about the earliest known record of Arthur. Honestly, the first reply delves further back into stipulation that is a more relevant debate & would be interesting to delve into records about.

[@martinhughes2549]

Romano British, leader of Brythonic speakers. Earliest references to Arthur are in Welsh annals.

[@gabemore1766]

@@martinhughes2549 welsh king love how they try to rob our history just like they tried to rob our language

[@user-pr8hz7ju5x]

Было бы здорово рассказать о парочке возможных прототипов. Лично я считаю, что Артур существовал и был племенным вождем где-то между 5 и 6-м веком, когда пошло англосаксонское завоевание Британских островов. Но интересна и версия, что к образу Артура примешался еще и римлянин Луций Арторий Каст, живший несколькими веками ранее. Мы уже знаем примеры сложения образа одного героя из нескольких реальных людей, особенно в средневековых источниках.

[@meacadwell]

I found this to be interesting: www.ancient.eu/King_Arthur/

[@thorshammer7883]

Can you do a video about the Roman armies fighting massive cannibalistic violent giants with 6 fingers?

[@lesterjohnston8888]

Yeah but don't forget the snacks say a yummy jammy dodgers and a Costa coffee ☕ that should do it

[@andrisrajah2060]

Could you please do more makeup tutorials, specifically about men who wore makeup, for example in France. It would be greatly appreciated.

[@mikeyates7931]

Don't let it be forgot , That once there was a spot , A brief and shining moment that was known as CAMELOT

[@davidplatt8308]

Is there Round of the knight table?

[@jovanweismiller7114]

You left out Geoffrey's tales of Arthur's conquests on the continent! I once read a statement that if Arthur didn't exist, someone did a great deal of what he is reported to have done (less the continental conquests, of course).

[@nerissacrawford8017]

2:24 LMFAO 🤣

[@balbovandall6343]

Yes

[@Tsigano]

Riothamus is definitely the most fitting candidate for Arthur. Riothamus being a term meaning High King. Taking all sources into the equation, it looks as though Riothamus ruled a Celtic kingdom spread across Britain and Brittany. He was the last true Great Celtic king before Germanic kings took over. At the time after Roman Britain, it was the southwest of England that was the wealthiest and most populous due to it's costal trade with the Mediterranean. It makes sense that the last mighty Celtic kingdom with Roman trade alliances be ruled from this area. One stretching across to western France. The later additions to the legend about Guinevere & Lancelot has no place in the true origins as they were added 100s of years later through romantic writers, but the battles with Saxons (& Goths as Germanic tribes, who were likely seen as expanded Saxons) are true if taking Riothamus as the real King Arthur of the Brits. The recent suggestions that Arthur was a Roman from lands not in Britain are also unlikely. Riothamus however was a true British King. Born with Brythonic ancestry.

[@lesterjohnston8888]

Well more likely a brit in the roman army where he was trained to be a warrior

[@Tsigano]

@@lesterjohnston8888 so only Roman soldiers are trained in combat? There is nothing to say Riothamus is Roman. But it does say he was Breton or Brit (including Cornish & Welsh). It makes more sense that the local British (as in Celts of the British Isles and Brittany) would rally behind a king of local descent and not one of Roman ancestry.

[@KhizHashVlogs]

Nyce

[@mothernature6790]

If you wanted an answer, there isn’t one

[@medueleaca]

Is this video a collaboration with TED-Ed?

[@EnglishHeritage]

We worked with the animators at Beakus on this video. Hope you enjoyed it!

[@Cartoonicus]

400s AD. That's like, before the fall of Rome, isn't it?

[@Sestra_Prior]

I think Rosemary Sutcliff's portrayal of Arthur in Sword at Sunset was pretty close.

[@DIANA-rv7zn]

I'm Loving Mythology from King Arthur and Merlin,Fairy Morgana....🧙‍♂️ Fairy tales from Celtic Mythology;Gwjdion, Tuatha de Danaan, Manawyddan.....

[@lesterjohnston8888]

Ooooa ouch how about a coffee ☕

[@noahtylerpritchett2682]

The Romano-Briton 2004 depicted Arthur probably existed.

[@MossyMozart]

A short animation for a man who never existed, but is fun to think about.

[@markberman6708]

Yes, but a wee different from the romace novels.

[@thescribeswife]

Why do i feel like I've watched this before??

[@hilaryc3203]

Didn't you read their description? They said they tweaked it and uploaded the new version.

[@lesterjohnston8888]

A night mare probably

[@horrormetaldoll]

#HappyNewYear✨🎊🎆🎉🎇🎁🍸🥂🥃🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂 ENGLISH heritage

[@noahtylerpritchett2682]

King Arthur was Welsh not English. You even said he's warred against Saxons. Yet you depict Englishry not Welshry around him.

[@Endgame707]

Short Answer No

[@Pianoguy32]

DId King Arthur Exist? Talks about Earl of Cornwall instead...

[@carlg5086]

England never existed in the time of King Arthur.

[@lesterjohnston8888]

Oh boy history teacher whens the next lessons chuck ie roman empire

[@batuhanersan3408]

turkish subtitles please

[@lesterjohnston8888]

Ah your asking a lot there my boy it's English we are on about

[@leojoey6606]

wait he didn't exist

[@oniria4276]

ugh Richard what a fanboy am i right

[@lesterjohnston8888]

Probably a shifter

[@KossolaxtheForesworn]

king arthur? more on the lines of atticus the centurion.

[@MossyMozart]

@Kossolax the Foresworn - Or Rory the Centurion.

[@zetizahara]

Clickbait.

[@rhyfelwrDuw]

Of course Merlin was from West Wales (Caerfyrddin - Merlin's Fort). He is supposedly buried on Merlin's Hill! Not sure who drew that conclusion - the Welsh tourist board no doubt lol!

[@anon-yw4wd]

Yes, but he was Welsh.

[@emjenkins464]

Camelot is Caerleon. It would have been astoundingly modern and utopian in comparison to other dark ages cities. The famous Victorian poem 'The Lady of Shallot' was also written when Tennyson was staying there in a pub overlooking the river

[@MossyMozart]

@Dieves Skyson - Since Arthur is a make-believe, he can be whatever you want him to be.

[@user-pd2yo2qe4e]

Отличный канал! Я подписываюсь! К тому же это помогает моему английскому 😉

[@Jaybird1306]

...I didn't vote for him!

[@lesterjohnston8888]

What king Arthur a brit trained as a roman soldier

[@andresperez7476]

So how he died? 🐳🐋🐞

[@lesterjohnston8888]

Probably tripped on his sword and that was it

[@yt_krg]

Isn't he supposed to be a girl?

[@user-sj8vh7rv5w]

No?

[@saber-san6270]

@@user-sj8vh7rv5w it's Fate

[@user-sj8vh7rv5w]

@@saber-san6270 ?

[@rukahazuki6650]

In fate series (anime,games, visual novels) ,king arthur is a girl .

[@jilliemc]

And Edinburgh -- Arthur's Seat!

[@lesterjohnston8888]

The stone of destiny where all Scottish kings were anointed

[@parker-boy98]

An unanswer? Great! Thanks for the monumental waste of time!

[@Endgame707]

King Arthur was a Spaniard 🇪🇸

[@fabianofonda6758]

The answer Is: NO!

[@nodinitiative]

In 1500 years from now, did Einstein really exist?

[@diznuttz5706]

So no he didn't exist they made him up

[@pinecone9619]

He's more real than Jesus

[@JC-em8js]

Pine Cone nice joke

[@meacadwell]

It wasn't a joke

[@thorshammer7883]

@@meacadwell I think it was a joke.

[@lesterjohnston8888]

That's impossible