Arthurian Literature and Medieval Celtic Colonization

The legends of King Arthur are far more than simple tales of chivalry and magic; they served as powerful political tools during a period of intense territorial expansion. This course examines how the earliest Arthurian stories emerged alongside the English conquests of Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Brittany. You will discover how medieval writers transformed folklore into sophisticated mythologies that justified the growth of empire and the changing power of the Church. What you'll learn: Understand the historical origins of the King Arthur figure through early chronicle sources; Analyze the relationship between Arthurian romance and medieval geopolitical expansion in Celtic lands; Compare the works of key authors like Geoffrey of Monmouth, Chrétien de Troyes, Marie de France, and Gerald of Wales; Identify how religious agendas, such as the Crusades and church reform, reshaped the Holy Grail narrative; Examine the literary structures of romance and how they served as medieval propaganda. The course begins with foundational historical definitions and the transition from oral Celtic folklore to written Latin chronicles, before guiding you through close readings of major twelfth- and thirteenth-century texts. This course is designed for beginners interested in medieval history, literature, or folklore, with no prior knowledge of Arthurian legend or medieval languages required. Begin your journey into the political secrets of the Round Table today.