Brewer's: Arthur

King of the Silures, a tribe of ancient Britons, was mortally wounded in the battle of Camlan, in Cornwall, raised by the revolt of his nephew, Modred. He was taken to Glastonbury, where he died. His wife was Guinever, who committed adultery with Sir Launcelot of the Lake, one of the Knights of the Round Table.

He was the natural son of Uther and Igerna (wife of Gorlois, duke of Cornwall), and was brought up by Sir Ector.

He was born at Tintadgel or Tintagel a castle in Cornwall.

His habitual residence was Caerleon, in Wales; and he was buried at Avalon. His sword was called Excalibar or Excalibor; his spear, Rome (1 syl.), and his shield, Pridwin. His dog was named Cavall. (See Round Table Knights.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Related Content