King Arthur's European Realm: New Evidence from Monmouth's Primary Sources

What is known of the legendary King Arthur is mostly derived from folklore and literature. Though the evidence is scant and debated, some scholars support a case for the existence of a historical figure in post-Roman Britain. However, the starting point for many King Arthur narratives--Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae--does not limit itself to post-Roman Britain. The more fanciful elements have King Arthur conquering Northern Europe, making his way to Rome. Unlike most scholars that debate the historicity of Arthur, Paul Sire generously allows Geoffrey of Monmouth a serious approach. Herein, the author speculates how a historic Arthur could have had a European realm.