King Arthur: The Prototypical Anglo-Saxon Essay

King Arthur's formation of the Knights of the Round Table, his association with the wise Merlin, and the Guinevere-Lancelot are all fairly well-known elements of King Arthur's story that help to exemplify his heroism in the Anglo-Saxon conception of the term, but more than this Arthur was initially remembered and revered for helping to end in fighting between various war lords and factions that existed in the British Isles after the end of the Roman Empire (Levin 1994). It was Arthur's battle prowess and his righteous dedication to a cause that enabled him to succeed in what was ultimately a highly militaristic endeavor, but it was his political savvy and wisdom as well as his humility that actually allowed him to unify a country of disparate families that could not see their common interests (Levin 1994). It is because of King Arthur's prowess as a leader both on and off the battlefield -- when there were specific goals ate the end of the quest and when the quest was an indeterminate and indefinable peace -- that makes him the prototypical Anglo-Saxon hero.

It is unlikely that the Arthurian legends will ever completely fade out of our cultural memory and consciousness.Western culture is still very much rooted in the Anglo-Saxon traditions, customs and beliefs now nearly two millennia old, and because of this the heroes of the Anglo-Saxon time remain well-loved heroes today. Though Arthur can no longer be considered the prototypical hero he embodies every desired aspect of Anglo-Saxon heroism.

References

John, E. (1996). Reassessing Anglo-Saxon England. Manchester: Manchester University

Press.

Levin, A. (1994). King Arthur's Death in Legend, History and Literature. Stevens Institute

of Technology Castle Point on the Hudson. Accessed 14….....