Ep 10. The Early German Arthurian Tradition

The Early German Arthurian Tradition is the tenth episode of season one of the show King Arthur: History and Legend. In this episode, the series delves into the influence that Germanic tribes had in shaping the Arthurian legend and the early German traditions surrounding the King.

The show starts by explaining how the story of King Arthur was not exclusively a product of the Welsh or the Celtic, but how the Germanic tribes that later conquered England only served to enrich the Arthurian legend. The episode presents various theories and interpretations of how these traditions melded with the Arthurian legend, creating a unique tapestry of European folklore.

As the episode progresses, the series highlights the epic poem Das Buch von König Artus (The Book of King Arthur), composed in the early 13th century in Germany, which tells the story of the King's battles and the struggles of his knights. The series explains how the author of this work, Anonymous, infused this story with various Germanic traditions like the theme of loyalty and service to the king, and also the importance of the king's counsel.

The show goes on to explain the connection between the Germanic traditions surrounding King Arthur and the oral traditions of the Icelandic Sagas. The series explains how the sagas were stories recited by skalds, Norse poets who kept the past alive with their recitals. It also discusses how some of these sagas were later written down in the 13th century, and how they too had some influence on the Arthurian legend.

Moreover, the series introduces the audience to other significant figures that are part of the Germanic Arthurian tradition, like Helinand von Froidenegg and Wolfram von Eschenbach. The episode highlights how they played a crucial role in shaping the Germanic version of the Arthurian legend and giving it more depth and scope.

Throughout the episode, the audience is treated with beautiful cinematography that showcases various medieval architecture, manuscripts, and art, which inspired the creation of the Arthurian legend. The show presents many fascinating details about the early German Arthurian Tradition, making it a must-watch for Arthurian enthusiasts and those interested in medieval European history.

In conclusion, The Early German Arthurian Tradition is an essential episode of King Arthur: History and Legend season one for its exploration of the Germanic influences on the King Arthur mythology. The episode sheds light on the merging of different cultural traditions, creating a complex and fascinating legend that's still prevalent today.