E 326K // Literature of the Middle Ages in Translation: Mysteries of the Grail

Tintagel

   Tintagel is a castle on the cliffs over a sea in Cornwall, England. Tintagel means “fort of the constriction.” Archaeologist have discovered pottery from the fifth and sixth century on this island and therefore it has been predicted that this location was used for trading in the Roman times. Stone buildings have also been discovered within the area and the rectangular shape relate it to the Romans. With this discovery, the site has been identified as one of the significant areas found in the British Isles.  What remains on the island today is identified as the Tintagel Castle built in the 12th century by Prince Richard. But it was originally built by Earl Reginald of Cornwall, in 1141. Reginald was believed to be Prince Robert’s brother, and Prince Robert was Geoffrey of Monmouth’s patron. Therefore some assume that the castle was part of the story simply to achieve “Royal favor.” While, today others believe the castle was built because Reginald wanted to profit from Geoffrey’s successful work since Geoffrey had included the Tintagel Castle as part of his text.
  Tintagel Castle is associated with Geoffrey of Monmouth’s “History of the Kings of Britain” because it is assumed that King Arthur was conceived and born in this Castle. However others believe that King Arthur was born afterwards according to Geoffrey’s writing. Scholars state that Geoffrey of Monmouth must have been talking about other legends of Tintagel and not the castle Tintagel. Whatever the case may be Tintagel Castle is famous for being connected to King Arthur.
 
 

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