King Arthur has been a source of fascination for countless generations. Long before Kennedy's Camelot, medieval kings such as Edward I and Edward III harnessed the Cult of Arthur to strengthen their image and increase their power as monarchs. This study examines some ways in which these kings used the myth and image of Arthur throughout their thirteenth and fourteenth century reigns.
ABSTRACT
Edward I and Edward III of England used the Arthurian legends throughout their reigns primarily as a method of creating bonds of loyalty and fealty between themselves and the aristocracy of England, but also as a method of justifying wars in Wales, Scotland, and France. The Arthurian legends emphasized the traditional roles and behaviors of knights. Edward I used the Arthurian legend as justification for his invasion of Wales and Scotland. Edward III used Arthur as a symbol on the battlefields of France and as a propagandistic tool to emphasize his status as a benevolent conqueror. In order to accomplish this, Edward I and Edward III held Arthurian-themed tournaments, feasts, and other ceremonies as well as undertaking pilgrimages to Arthurian sites and adopting Arthurian symbols. This resulted in support from the aristocracy for their wars outside of England.
ABSTRACT
Edward I and Edward III of England used the Arthurian legends throughout their reigns primarily as a method of creating bonds of loyalty and fealty between themselves and the aristocracy of England, but also as a method of justifying wars in Wales, Scotland, and France. The Arthurian legends emphasized the traditional roles and behaviors of knights. Edward I used the Arthurian legend as justification for his invasion of Wales and Scotland. Edward III used Arthur as a symbol on the battlefields of France and as a propagandistic tool to emphasize his status as a benevolent conqueror. In order to accomplish this, Edward I and Edward III held Arthurian-themed tournaments, feasts, and other ceremonies as well as undertaking pilgrimages to Arthurian sites and adopting Arthurian symbols. This resulted in support from the aristocracy for their wars outside of England.
