King Arthur Facts & Worksheets

King Arthur is a legendary figure who is said to have ruled Britain during the late 5th and early 6th centuries. His story and the tales of his knights, the Round Table, and the quest for the Holy Grail form a fundamental part of British folklore and literature.

See the fact file below for more information about King Arthur, or you can download our 23-page King Arthur worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BIRTH AND LINEAGE

• King Arthur, a legendary figure in British folklore, is often depicted as the quintessential king of Britain, commanding knights and presiding over a mystical court at Camelot. His origin story, although varying in different texts, usually portrays him as born to Uther Pendragon, a king of Britain, and Igraine, the Duchess of Cornwall. 
• This tale is famously chronicled by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his 12th-century work “Historia Regum Britanniae” (History of the Kings of Britain).
• According to Geoffrey, Uther, deeply enamored with Igraine, sought the help of Merlin, a wizard of profound skill, to seduce her. Merlin used his magic to disguise Uther as Igraine’s husband, Duke Gorlois of Cornwall, allowing Uther to enter their castle and Igraine to conceive Arthur.
• Igraine only learns the truth after the death of the real Duke Gorlois, and Uther marries her. Arthur is born in secrecy and given to Merlin, who raises him anonymously until he is ready to claim his birthright.
• The mystical elements surrounding Arthur’s birth, including prophecies and magical interventions, underscore his destined greatness and the supernatural aura surrounding his kingship. 
• This magical lineage and mysterious upbringing contribute significantly to the mythic quality of Arthur’s story and his rightful claim to the throne of Britain.

EXCALIBUR – THE LEGENDARY SWORD

• Arthur’s mysterious birth and early upbringing set the stage for the remarkable tale known as the Sword in the Stone, or the Sword in the Lake, a pivotal event that cemented his fate as the destined king of Britain. 
• Raised under the care of Sir Ector and unaware of his royal heritage, Arthur grew up as a humble squire, distant from the machinations and intrigues of the court.
• Following the death of Uther, Britain was left without a king, descending into chaos and fragmentation as various nobles vied for power. 
• It was during this time of instability that Merlin, the wise and mystical advisor to Uther, enacted his plan to reveal the rightful heir to the throne. 
• Merlin magically embedded a sword in an anvil atop a stone, proclaiming that only the true king could pull it out and claim his rightful place as ruler of Britain. 
• Many tried, but none could move the sword, later known as Excalibur, which seemed impossibly fixed.
• The moment of truth came unexpectedly at a tournament attended by many noble knights and lords. Arthur, then merely serving as his foster brother Sir Kay’s squire, was sent in a rush to fetch a sword after Sir Kay had forgotten his. 
• Spotting the legendary sword in the stone, Arthur, innocent of its profound significance, pulled it out effortlessly to bring it to Sir Kay.
• When Sir Ector and Sir Kay witnessed this, they immediately recognized the gravity of what Arthur had done. In awe, with a rising sense of duty, Sir Ector disclosed Arthur’s true lineage and took him back to the stone. 
• Before a gathering of the realm’s most influential figures, young Arthur pulled the sword from the stone once more, proving his divine right to rule. 
• This act not only confirmed Arthur’s royal blood and destiny but also symbolically healed a fractured nation, uniting them under a king of true virtue and destiny. 
• Thus began Arthur’s legendary reign, marked from its outset by signs and wonders that presaged his future as one of the most storied monarchs in British mythology.

THE ROUND TABLE

• The establishment of the Round Table is a cornerstone of Arthurian legend, symbolizing King Arthur’s innovative and equitable approach to leadership. 
• As Arthur assumed the throne, he sought to mitigate the traditional hierarchical structures that often sowed discord among nobles. 
• The Round Table, a gift from King Leodegrance of Cameliard, on the occasion of Arthur’s marriage to his daughter, Guinevere, served as a physical manifestation of Arthur’s ideals.
• The Round Table was unique because it had no head, implying that all who sat around it had equal status, thus discouraging rivalry and promoting a spirit of unity and fraternity among Arthur’s knights. 
• This inclusivity attracted the bravest and most noble knights from across the land, who pledged to uphold the chivalric values of courage, honor, and service. 

WARS AND SUCCESSES

• Establishment of Peace and Order: Upon assuming the throne, Arthur first focused on securing his kingdom from internal threats and rebellions, uniting the disparate tribes of Britain. 
• His early reign was characterized by efforts to stabilize and centralize his authority, bringing peace to a land fraught with feudal disputes.
• Expansion and Conquests: Arthur’s military exploits included the expansion of his realm beyond the borders of Britain. 
• He led campaigns across Europe, purportedly conquering regions such as Norway, Denmark, and Gaul. 
• These conquests were portrayed as a mix of military might and diplomatic skill.
• Defense Against the Saxons: One of Arthur’s most significant military challenges was repelling the invasions of the Saxons. Legends often highlight the Battle of Badon Hill, where Arthur achieved a monumental victory against a large Saxon army, effectively securing Britain from further invasions for many years.
• Quest for the Holy Grail: Although not a military endeavor, the quest for the Holy Grail was a significant chapter in Arthur’s reign, reflecting his spiritual and moral leadership. This quest tested the purity and virtue of his knights, contributing to the enduring mythos of Arthur as a righteous and god-fearing king.
• The Battle of Camlann: Arthur’s reign is traditionally said to end with the Battle of Camlann, where he fights a destructive and tragic civil war against the forces of his nephew, Mordred. 
• This battle, while marking the downfall of Arthur’s kingdom, also cements his legacy as a tragic hero whose aspirations for peace and justice were ultimately undermined by betrayal and internal strife.

LEGACY

• King Arthur’s legacy has had a profound and lasting impact on English culture and identity, transcending the medieval period to become a symbol of ideal leadership and chivalric virtue. 
• His mythos resonated through the ages, profoundly shaping literature, art, and national self-perception.
• Symbol of National Identity: Arthur emerged as a heroic figure when England was forming its national identity. Over the centuries, he has come to embody the values and aspirations of Englishness: courage, fairness, and justice. 
• His legendary reign is often idealized as a golden age of prosperity and harmony, a powerful narrative for a nation’s history.
• Embodiment of Chivalric Values: The chivalric code, which emphasizes honor, loyalty, and service, is central to the Arthurian legend. 
• This code has influenced the English gentlemanly ideal and the conduct expected of those in positions of authority. The Knights of the Round Table model these virtues as exemplars of how to behave nobly and righteously. 
• Literary Influence: Arthur’s story has been a cornerstone of English literature, inspiring countless works over the centuries. 
• From medieval texts like Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Historia Regum Britanniae and Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur to Tennyson’s Idylls of the King during the Victorian era, and modern adaptations in books, films, and television, Arthur continues to be a pivotal figure in cultural productions.
• Political and Social Symbol: Throughout English history, rulers have used Arthur’s legacy to legitimize their rule and form connections with a storied past. The Round Table, in particular, has served as a metaphor in political discourse, symbolizing idealized governance and equality.

King Arthur Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about King Arthur across 23 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about King Arthur. King Arthur’s story and the tales of his knights, the Round Table, and the quest for the Holy Grail form a fundamental part of British folklore and literature.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. King Arthur Facts
2. Arthurian Times
3. Regal Facts
4. Once and Future King
5. The King’s Knights
6. Kingly Qualities
7. The King’s Circle
8. Excalibur
9. A Tale of Betrayal
10. The Battle of Camlann
11. King Arthur’s Life

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was King Arthur?

King Arthur is a legendary British leader who, according to medieval histories and romances, led the defense of Britain against Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries. He is often depicted as a wise and noble king, wielding the mythical sword Excalibur.

Is King Arthur a historical figure?

The historicity of King Arthur is a subject of debate among historians. While some believe he was a real person whose deeds were later embellished in legend, others argue that he is purely a mythical figure created from folklore and literary imagination.

What is the significance of the Knights of the Round Table?

The Knights of the Round Table are legendary figures said to have been the companions of King Arthur. They symbolize chivalry, honor, and loyalty. The round table itself represents equality among the knights, as there is no head or foot, signifying that all members are equal.

What role does Merlin play in the Arthurian legends?

Merlin is a powerful sorcerer and advisor to King Arthur. He is often portrayed as a wise and enigmatic figure, guiding Arthur from his birth and throughout his reign. Merlin plays a crucial role in many Arthurian stories, assisting the king in battles, offering counsel, and even orchestrating his conception.

What is the quest for the Holy Grail in Arthurian legend?

The quest for the Holy Grail is one of the central themes in Arthurian legend. The Holy Grail is believed to be the cup used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper and later to collect his blood during the crucifixion. In Arthurian legend, the quest for the Holy Grail represents the search for spiritual enlightenment, purity, and divine favor. Sir Galahad is typically depicted as the knight who achieves the quest’s ultimate goal of finding the Holy Grail.

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