The King Arthur Myth and Its Enduring Influence on the Fantasy Genre

The King Arthur myth is one of the most enduring legends of Western culture. The story of the once and future king has been told and retold in countless forms, from medieval romances to modern novels, films, and television shows. But perhaps the most significant impact of the Arthurian myth has been on the fantasy genre. In this blog post, we will explore how the King Arthur myth has inspired and influenced the development of fantasy literature.

What is the King Arthur Myth?

To begin with, we must first understand what the King Arthur myth is and why it has been so influential. The legend of King Arthur is a complex tapestry of stories, myths, and historical facts that have been woven together over time. At its core, the myth is a tale of a heroic king who brings peace and justice to his kingdom, only to see it fall into chaos and destruction. The story of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table has inspired countless writers, artists, and filmmakers over the centuries, and it continues to captivate audiences to this day.

Archetypes in the King Arthur Myth and Their Influence on Fantasy

One of the key ways in which the King Arthur myth has influenced the fantasy genre is through its use of archetypes. The characters in the Arthurian legend are archetypes, representing universal human qualities that are essential to the human experience. For example, King Arthur himself is the archetypal hero, embodying all of the traits that we associate with heroism, such as courage, nobility, and selflessness. Similarly, the knights of the Round Table represent different aspects of chivalry and nobility, each embodying a specific virtue or code of conduct. These archetypes have been used in countless fantasy novels, films, and games, providing a framework for writers and creators to explore the human condition in new and imaginative ways.

The Use of Magic and the Supernatural in the King Arthur Myth and Its Impact on Fantasy

Another way in which the King Arthur myth has influenced the fantasy genre is through its use of magic and the supernatural. The Arthurian legend is filled with magical beings and mystical elements, from Merlin the wizard to the Holy Grail. These supernatural elements have been used in countless fantasy stories, creating a sense of wonder and awe that is essential to the genre. In addition, the Arthurian myth has inspired countless tales of heroic quests and epic battles, providing a template for writers and creators to explore the themes of good versus evil and the struggle between order and chaos.

The Role of the King Arthur Myth in the Development of Epic Fantasy Novels

Perhaps the most significant impact of the King Arthur myth on the fantasy genre is its role in the development of the modern epic fantasy novel. The epic fantasy novel is a subgenre of fantasy literature that is characterized by its length, scope, and complexity. Epic fantasy novels typically feature large casts of characters, intricate world-building, and multiple interweaving plotlines. Many of these elements can be traced back to the Arthurian legend, which was one of the first epic tales of Western literature.

One of the most famous examples of an epic fantasy novel that draws heavily on the King Arthur myth is J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings". Tolkien was deeply influenced by the Arthurian legend, and many of the elements of his masterpiece can be traced back to the Arthurian myth. For example, the character of Aragorn, who is the rightful king of Gondor, can be seen as a direct descendant of King Arthur. Similarly, the sword Excalibur, which plays a central role in the Arthurian legend, has a clear influence on the sword Narsil, which is reforged by Aragorn in "The Lord of the Rings".

Another famous example of an epic fantasy novel that draws heavily on the King Arthur myth is George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series. Martin has acknowledged the influence of the Arthurian legend on his work, and there are numerous parallels between the two. For example, the character of Jon Snow can be seen as a version of the knightly hero, Sir Galahad, who is known for his purity and chivalry. Similarly, the concept of a round table where all are equal is reflected in the council meetings of the Night's Watch, where every member has a say.

In my own Sundered Crown novels I have the trope of the boy king that was inspired heavily by the Arthur myth as well as a magic sword, wizards, magic, monsters… now I think about it I was more heavily influenced by it than I probably realised!

Examples of the King Arthur Myth in Fantasy Literature, Film, and Video Games

Beyond epic fantasy novels, the King Arthur myth has also inspired countless other forms of fantasy media. In film, there have been numerous adaptations of the Arthurian legend, from the classic 1953 Disney film "The Sword in the Stone" to more recent films like "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" and "The Kid Who Would Be King". The influence of the Arthurian legend can also be seen in television shows like "Merlin" and "Camelot".

In video games, the influence of the King Arthur myth is also evident. The popular "Final Fantasy" series features numerous references to the Arthurian legend, including a character named Arthur and a sword called Excalibur. The massively popular online game "World of Warcraft" features a quest line called "The Green Knight", which is a clear reference to the medieval romance "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". The influence of the Arthurian legend can also be seen in tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, where the concept of knights and chivalry are central to the game.

The Enduring Legacy of the King Arthur Myth in the Fantasy Genre

The King Arthur myth has had a profound impact on the development of the fantasy genre. Its use of archetypes, magical elements, and heroic quests have provided a framework for writers and creators to explore the human condition in new and imaginative ways. The influence of the Arthurian legend can be seen in countless fantasy novels, films, television shows, and video games, making it one of the most enduring and influential myths of Western culture. Whether it is the quest for the Holy Grail or the struggle for the throne of a magical kingdom, the legacy of King Arthur continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.