According to some traditional accounts, King Arthur was born on the winter solstice. According to others,
According to some traditional accounts, King Arthur was born on the winter solstice. According to others, he was born on Christmas Day. Most don’t say when he was born. And, of course, whether Arthur even actually existed is a subject of debate. Whatever date Arthur’s birth happened (if it did), it was said to have been nine months after his father King Uther Pendragon, with the assistance of the wizard Merlin, disguised himself as his rival Gorlois, snuck into Gorlois’ castle, and enjoyed marital privileges with Gorlois’ wife Igraine. Gorlois was killed in battle with Uther Pendragon’s men that very day, and Uther Pendragon later married Igraine. For his assistance, Merlin required that the baby be turned over to him after he was born. According to the legend, Arthur became king himself at age 15. As King of the Britons, he and his army defeated the Saxons and established a vast kingdom, before coming to a tragic end at the Battle of Cammlan, where he was slain by Mordred, his ne...