Artist description MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS So why do you believe you are King Arthur? Well, my name is Arthur and I am a Druid King, so in very real terms I am King Arthur, or at least a King called Arthur, but to answer your question I believe that there are, in point of fact, three Arthurs and three Arthurian ages: a Pre-Roman, Archetypal Welsh; a Post-Roman, Dark-Age West Country and a Post-Thatcher Twenty/Twenty-first Century one, I am the Post-Thatcher. That is not to say that I do not believe that the same Spirit, rather like the Spirit of the land, dwells or dwelt within all three; but I am not out to convince anyone of who or what I am or was in a previous life or existence. Arthur is what Arthur does and I will be judged solely by my accomplishments. You say you are a Druid, a Witch and a Pagan Priest But wasn't Arthur a Christian King? What was and what is, is not always the same thing. But to answer your question, we must first look at the evidence, such as it is. Most of the Arthurian tales were written long after the event and overlaid with Christianity, the belief of that time. The Holy Grail, for instance, is based on far older Pagan myths and legends of magical cauldrons. Try as they might, however, they could not write out the Merlin Character: The Kings adviser and ancient Druid Priest, because of course, he was central to the plot, a far older Pagan one. But isn't Witchcraft and Druidry akin to Satanism and Black Magic? No, not even slightly. Satanism, the worship of Satan is essentially Christian in origin, in as much as only in the Christian belief does Satan exist. As for Black Magic, well you must realise that Witchcraft is the craft of the Wise, from which it takes its name and Witches, Druids and Pagans are the Priests and practitioners of what are, after all, the indigenous religions of these Isles, and is in lay terms, are earth based, nature religions similar, in some instances, to the Eastern Gaia concept that the Earth herself is an entity, as are we and all the other flora and fauna that inhabit her. Anything that uses natural forces and is used (rather than abused) for the betterment of all can certainly not, in my opinion, be termed Black Magic. Magic, in my opinion, is neutral, neither Black nor White and it must surely be the intent behind the magic that carries such connotations. But isn't it all just legend and myth? Perhaps, but legend says that Arthur and the Knights of the Round table will return when Britain needs them most. With the emergence of other Nations throughout Europe and the rest of the World causing our atlases to be updated on an almost daily basis, it should come as no surprise to see the resurgence of the Celtic nation. It is my contention that this is just such a time of need, a need to fight for the very land itself, a time of great concern Globally; with environmental problems. I believe we should think Globally and act Locally and that all the great Heros, (for want of a better word or phrase) have returned to fight for their land, well, their geographical part of it anyway. For it is my assertion that we, each and every one of us, can and should, do what we can, where we can and when we can. So what was it like, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table? King Arthur and the Knights of The Round Table, sounds good, doesn't it? A Romantic notion, that's all it is, the difference between the Dark-Age reality and the Medieval Legend couldn't be more pronounced than it is in that phrase. To get nearer the truth of it use your minds eye and for King substitute Chieftain and for Knight Warrior. You have to realise that Arthur as a Battle Chieftain was at the head of what was essentially a light Cavalry unit, with the mobility needed to fight many differing enemies at many differing Battles, in many differing regions throughout these Isles. So where was Camelot? Many places claim to have been Camelot and in essence, maybe they all where. For Camelot (Incidentally a French addition to the myth) was, and in point of fact still is, a nomadic court. Arthur and his Warband would speed to the defence of the other tribal leaders, lesser Kings, as they have been called retrospectively and when battle commenced, would use their local troops; infantry in the main and his light cavalry to secure a victory. After that, perhaps he would suggest the building of a hill fort or some other kind of defences and in future time's locals would look back on it and call it 'Arthur's fort', Camelot. What relevance has any of this to the present time? Watch this space! There are three types of Knight or Lady in the Warband Shield, Quest and Brother. The Shield Knights and Maidens are so called for their right to carry and bare a shield, upon which is their Heraldic device (coat of arms), it is these Shields that go to make up the Round Table itself. Therefore, in very real terms, as Mallory asserts, when you take your seat at the Table your name does Mystically appear before you. The Quest Knights and Maidens are on a personal quest believing themselves to be part of the fellowship, both then and now, their quest to find out which part (their name, perhaps?). Whilst the Brother and Sister Knights think of themselves as Firstborn, with their feet firmly planted in this century but one should remember that the Quest and Shield have merely returned to assist in their struggle. This is their time and their fight. And what of Merlin? As I said the Shield Knights are so called, in very literal terms, for their right to carry the round table (their Shield). When locked together in circle, around a fire, they form what could be called a ring doughnut. Thus allowing and forming a centre circle wherein Merlin can form his enchantments. And what of the present day, Do you have a Merlin? Merlin, it must be remembered, is not only a name but also a title: Merlin of Britain, Chief Druid and Kings advisor. Today the Merlin, with whom I share an especial relationship, is embodied in the spirit of Rollo Maughfling, Archdruid of the Glastonbury Order of Druids. His family name comes from the Mauling Mountains in Ireland and is a Saxon corruption of what was Myrddrin in Welsh and Merlin in Norman French. So as an hereditary Druid and as a senior Archdruid, he is in very real terms a Merlin of the 20th century, just as I am an Arthur and my sword an Excalibur. Whether or not one views that each of these are imbued with an ancient spirit or not is of no consequence, for like Arthur, Merlin is what Merlin does. But as a Druid how can you be also the Head of a Warband, I thought Druids were pacifists and Vegetarian? Simple, it's called Non Violent Direct Action, and as for being a vegetarian, personally I am against factory farming methods and believe in living as close and as in tune with nature as possible but for my part, with Molars, Canine and Incisors I am an Omnivore. I thought Druids were the ancient Judges of old. How can a Druid, such as yourself break the law so often? My Order is sworn to the Ancient virtues of Truth, of Honour and of Justice and I can think of no better place to fight for justice than in a court of law. If a law is unjust where better to challenge it? And are you happy? Yes, before I used to worry about Life, the Universe, and Everything, You know, the sort of philosophical questions we all ask ourselves. Now, no problem I wake up King Arthur, I go to sleep King Arthur and I get on with being King Arthur Three hundred and sixty five days a year. No problem, keeps me happy anyway. So what next? Who Knows? I will continue, as will my Order, to fight for Truth, Honour and Justice wherever that takes me.

Music Style Various: from Folk, Rock, Pop and Poetry

Musical Influences Eclectic but reflecting the 'Awen' the Bardic spirit of inspiration

Similar Artists Incredible String Band, John Lennon

Artist History All musicians and poets contributing to tracks featured are members of King Arthur's Loyal Arthurian Warband, a Druid Order in which members are sworn to uphold the Ancient Virtues of Truth, Honour and Justice! Members have been active as poets, Bards, musicians and performers for many years. In the Travelling Court of Camelot they are united in support of King Arthur and his order's aims.

Group Members King Arthur Pendragon, Bard of Ely, Pixi and many more to be added.

Instruments Various.

Location Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales - United Kingdom

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