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WILLIAM SHATNER:
King Arthur.
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A noble warrior, who
embodied honor and chivalry,
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wielded the legendary blade
Excalibur
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and went on epic quests with
the Knights of the Round Table.
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For more than a thousand years,
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tales have been
told about a peasant boy
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who pulled a sword out of
a stone and became a king.
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Is the legend of
King Arthur and the Knights
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of the Round Table just a myth?
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Or is it possible that the story
we all know was based on fact?
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Was King Arthur a real person?
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Well, that is what
we'll try and find out.
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♪ ♪
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(cheering)
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Every year,
thousands of people gather at
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the Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire
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to experience
a taste of medieval life.
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The fair is one of many similar
events held around the globe
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that are inspired
by age-old tales
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of King Arthur and
the Knights of the Round Table.
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I don't know what child,
growing up, doesn't want
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to be a knight
in shining armor.
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It's such a romanticized
time period that the stories of
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King Arthur and Knights of
the Round Table and all of their
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quests and adventures
have branched and become
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bigger and bigger right
through today's modern age.
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It has such a collective
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grab on our imagination
and our soul.
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DORSEY ARMSTRONG:
King Arthur is everywhere today.
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You'd be hard-pressed to find
another legendary figure that is
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as popular all over the world,
in so many times
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and so many places, whether
it's in the 12th century,
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or the 15th century,
or the 21st century.
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SHATNER: Since the Middle Ages,
the legend of King Arthur
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has captured the imagination
of countless people
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all over the world.
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But what are the origins
of this powerful story?
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JONATHAN YOUNG:
The Arthur story begins with
a boy raised by farmers.
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One time, his brother is
in a sword-fighting contest,
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and his brother's
sword breaks.
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And Arthur said, "No, don't
forfeit, hold off for a second.
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I saw a sword."
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And he saw a sword stuck
in a stone.
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SHATNER:
As the story goes,
the sword that Arthur saw
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SHATNER:
As the story goes,
the sword that Arthur saw
was no ordinary blade.
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was no ordinary blade.
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It had been prophesied that
only the future king of England
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could draw
the sword out of the stone.
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Many men had tried to remove it,
but all of them failed.
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That is,
until Arthur pulled the sword,
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and it slid out of the stone.
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YOUNG:
This is the earliest that
Arthur begins to understand that
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something is happening
in his life beyond his grasp.
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Gradually,
this unusual young man
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does become king of all Britain.
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JULIETTE WOOD:
The Arthurian legend
basically tells about
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a young person who
discovers their destiny,
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and discovers how
to achieve this destiny.
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He becomes the center
of these medieval romances,
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where he is
the quintessential leader.
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He is Rex Quondom,
Rexque Futurus;
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the Once and Future King.
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It's amazing
how much of that story
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has permeated our culture
just sort of by osmosis.
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And the image we all have
is that King Arthur
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lives in Camelot,
which is a big stone castle.
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He had a wife, Guinevere,
and also he is assisted
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by a wizard named Merlin.
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His knights of the Round Table
looked for the Holy Grail.
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And he has a fabulous sword
named Excalibur.
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It is this wonderful repository
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It is this wonderful repository
of symbols and themes
and adventures
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of symbols and themes
and adventures
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that are all interlinked,
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because they all relate
to the court
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because they all relate
to the court
of this one marvelous figure.
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of this one marvelous figure.
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SHATNER:
The vast influence
of the Arthurian legend
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is undeniable.
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But for more
than 1,000 years,
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a fascinating question
has lingered.
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Is it possible that King Arthur
wasn't merely a myth
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but rather a real man?
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If we go back to the original
accounts of King Arthur,
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written during the Dark Ages,
around about 500 AD,
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the Roman Empire collapsed,
and the Roman soldiers
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the Roman Empire collapsed,
and the Roman soldiers
withdrew from Britain.
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withdrew from Britain.
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And this country turned
into complete anarchy.
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There were various separate
tribes fighting each other.
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And what was needed
was one single warrior
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or chieftain or king
to unite them all.
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And Arthur is said to have been
that person in myth and legend.
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TONY McMAHON:
There are lots of
theories on who King Arthur
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might really have been.
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And really,
there's no clear answer.
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The Arthur that we think
we know came from
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many hands,
many authors, many writers,
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who had slightly different
takes on the Arthur story.
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We know the basic
elements of the story,
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but the man himself
remains a mystery.
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SHATNER:
According to historians,
there are numerous versions of
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the King Arthur legend, many
of which have been lost to time.
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But the most influential
telling of the story
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dates to the 12th century,
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when a Welsh monk
named Geoffrey of Monmouth
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claimed he'd discovered
a long-lost account of early
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British history
that recorded King Arthur
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as being an actual person who
lived around the year 500 AD.
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Monmouth then published a
translated version of this text,
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which he called The History
of the Kings of Britain.
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Geoffrey of Monmouth,
in his text in the 12th century,
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this is what breaks
the Arthurian legend wide open.
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What's fascinating is that
so many of the things
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and places and events
he writes about in recent times
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have been proven
to be correct in terms of
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being the right time,
the right place,
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and the right elements
to be based on,
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many historians believe,
real events.
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SHATNER:
Could it be possible
that the tales
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of King Arthur are more
than mere fantasy?
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Perhaps a clue may be found
by examining a castle
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in southwest England that
Geoffrey of Monmouth claimed
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to have been the site
where King Arthur was born.
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Overlooking the rocky cliffs of
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Bristol Channel are
the ruins of Tintagel Castle.
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Built in the 13th century,
this once-mighty fortress
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is now a popular
tourist attraction
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is now a popular
tourist attraction
with a fascinating history.
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with a fascinating history.
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Well, Tintagel is a really
wondrous and mysterious location
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because it hides
an enormous amount of
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because it hides
an enormous amount of
knowledge about our past.
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knowledge about our past.
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There's this fantastic castle
that is 900 years old.
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But below the ground,
there's tons of information
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about hundreds of years
before this,
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in the period when,
perhaps, Arthur existed.
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ARMSTRONG:
What's really fantastic
and incredible
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about this spot
in particular is that
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Geoffrey of Monmouth tells us
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that Arthur's born in Tintagel,
and that has now been
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very conclusively proven
to have very, very strong links.
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SHATNER:
Excavations beneath Tintagel
have revealed the remains of
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an earlier castle that dated
back to the sixth century AD.
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And a curious inscription found
among the prior castle's remains
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offers evidence in support
of Geoffrey of Monmouth's claim
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that the real King Arthur
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had a profound
connection to Tintagel.
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In 1998, Glasgow University
were excavating here,
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and they found a drain cover
behind one of the buildings.
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And that drain cover--
they were amazed to find
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it had an inscription on it.
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At the top of the stone
is very clearly Artognou.
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A-R-T-O-G-N-O-U.
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It was securely dated
to the sixth century, based on
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the items around it,
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and on that stone
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and on that stone
was carved a name that looks
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was carved a name that looks
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very much like "Arthur."
"Artognou."
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When you have
the site of Tintagel
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that has been associated with
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Arthur's supposed birthplace
for centuries,
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Arthur's supposed birthplace
for centuries,
and the discovery of a stone
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and the discovery of a stone
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that has a name on it
that begins A-R-T,
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that has a name on it
that begins A-R-T,
you have all the elements
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you have all the elements
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coming together at the right
time in the right place.
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The mere possibility that
one day we'll be able to verify
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the birthplace of the real
King Arthur is thrilling.
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But could there be
other parts of the legend
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that might also be
historically accurate?
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Well, perhaps the answer
can be found by examining
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two of the most iconic
elements of Arthurian lore:
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Merlin the Magician
and Excalibur.
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SHATNER:
One of the most iconic stories
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from the tales of King Arthur
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is that of a young
Arthur singlehandedly
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pulling a sword out of a stone.
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It was a feat that revealed him
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to be the one true king
of Britain.
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But there's another sword
in the Arthur legend
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But there's another sword
in the Arthur legend
that is no less compelling.
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that is no less compelling.
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There are two
swords in the Arthur story.
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One comes out
of that stone, and later,
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he gets a sword as a gift
from the Lady of the Lake.
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This is the goddess of the lake.
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And her arm comes up out
of the water holding a sword.
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And that is Excalibur,
a sword beyond other swords.
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Excalibur, we are told,
had a golden hilt,
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and had magical powers.
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It's a sword that's supposed
to make Arthur invincible.
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YOUNG: Arthur's story is
the hero's journey,
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because it has
the magic and the sacred
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and all
the mystical dimensions.
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In the hero's journey,
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the protagonist gains
a special tool or weapon.
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This is the magical thing.
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It will be
just the thing you needed,
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although you might
not know it at the time.
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And then the moment
will arise and you see
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exactly why you have it.
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SHATNER:
According to legend,
King Arthur used Excalibur
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to win many battles and unite
Britain under his leadership.
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But, alas, Arthur finally
died on the battlefield
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when he was mortally wounded
by his son, Mordred.
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As King Arthur lies
dying on the field of battle...
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...he asks that his sword,
Excalibur,
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...he asks that his sword,
Excalibur,
the source of all his power,
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the source of all his power,
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be taken by a knight
and thrown into a nearby lake.
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When this happens, the hand
of the Lady of the Lake
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breaks through the surface
of the water,
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grabs hold of the sword
and takes it down
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into the crystal depths
to keep it
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until some future king
may need it
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when Britain is
again threatened.
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SHATNER:
Many scholars believe that magic
is an important part of
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what makes the King Arthur
story so powerful.
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And curiously, the supernatural
elements of Excalibur
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And curiously, the supernatural
elements of Excalibur
may not have been
merely a fantasy.
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may not have been
merely a fantasy.
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The story of Excalibur may seem
one of the medieval additions,
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if you like,
to the tale of King Arthur,
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that sounds the least likely.
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But in fact,
the story of Excalibur
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and the knight throwing it
to the Lady of the Lake
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could be based
on historical events.
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The Celtic warriors of
the time Arthur existed had
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a tradition that their soul,
if you like,
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was in their sword.
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And at their funerals,
their swords were often thrown
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into a sacred lake, or pool,
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into a sacred lake, or pool,
as an offering
to a water goddess.
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as an offering
to a water goddess.
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And in fact, archaeology has
discovered many ancient swords
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00:13:23,415 --> 00:13:27,356
that had been thrown into lakes
that have since dried up.
241
00:13:28,960 --> 00:13:31,465
So the story
of the Lady of the Lake,
242
00:13:31,531 --> 00:13:35,506
this strange nymph-like woman
that takes the sword,
243
00:13:35,573 --> 00:13:39,615
could have originated
with the tradition of casting
244
00:13:39,915 --> 00:13:43,455
a warrior's sword as
an offering to a water goddess.
245
00:13:44,490 --> 00:13:48,031
SHATNER:
Is it possible that
some of the mystical aspects
246
00:13:48,098 --> 00:13:51,438
of the legend of
King Arthur are based on fact?
247
00:13:51,504 --> 00:13:55,547
Perhaps a clue can be found
by examining the origins
248
00:13:55,580 --> 00:13:59,387
of the most mysterious
character in Arthurian lore:
249
00:14:00,456 --> 00:14:03,295
Merlin the Magician.
250
00:14:03,395 --> 00:14:06,902
Merlin is almost as
fascinating as Arthur.
251
00:14:06,969 --> 00:14:10,042
He's such a wonderful character
who might have been
252
00:14:10,209 --> 00:14:12,413
an alchemist or a wizard.
253
00:14:12,480 --> 00:14:16,822
Merlin is Arthur's advisor,
and we think of Merlin, really,
254
00:14:16,922 --> 00:14:20,563
as a dignified old man
with a long white beard.
255
00:14:22,233 --> 00:14:25,607
YOUNG:
Merlin is the classic sorcerer.
256
00:14:25,607 --> 00:14:25,641
YOUNG:
Merlin is the classic sorcerer.
We've had many more recent
257
00:14:25,641 --> 00:14:27,243
We've had many more recent
258
00:14:27,376 --> 00:14:29,180
reincarnations, really,
of Merlin:
259
00:14:29,280 --> 00:14:33,623
Dumbledore, Gandalf,
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda.
260
00:14:33,623 --> 00:14:33,689
Dumbledore, Gandalf,
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda.
It comes back again and again.
261
00:14:33,689 --> 00:14:35,593
It comes back again and again.
262
00:14:37,096 --> 00:14:40,502
Because we need characters
in stories
263
00:14:40,502 --> 00:14:40,570
Because we need characters
in stories
that represent a higher knowing.
264
00:14:40,570 --> 00:14:42,908
that represent a higher knowing.
265
00:14:44,143 --> 00:14:47,349
SHATNER:
Even though Merlin represents
a supernatural character,
266
00:14:47,516 --> 00:14:48,920
there is growing evidence that
267
00:14:49,053 --> 00:14:50,591
this wizard could have
been based
268
00:14:50,657 --> 00:14:54,263
on a real person who lived
in the sixth century AD.
269
00:14:56,669 --> 00:14:59,876
McMAHON: It's believed
that the chroniclers
270
00:15:00,008 --> 00:15:02,413
who first wrote
the story of King Arthur,
271
00:15:02,480 --> 00:15:05,319
when they came upon
the character of Merlin,
272
00:15:05,352 --> 00:15:10,229
they were actually referencing
an ancient wizard who was known
273
00:15:10,329 --> 00:15:13,469
in either Welsh or
northern British folklore.
274
00:15:14,303 --> 00:15:18,078
Somebody who had once
really existed.
275
00:15:19,413 --> 00:15:21,251
PHILLIPS:
The name Merlin is a title.
276
00:15:21,417 --> 00:15:23,689
It's old Brythonic for Eagle.
277
00:15:23,689 --> 00:15:23,790
It's old Brythonic for Eagle.
And we know of
at least three people
278
00:15:23,790 --> 00:15:26,528
And we know of
at least three people
279
00:15:26,595 --> 00:15:32,006
during the late fifth
and early sixth centuries,
280
00:15:32,106 --> 00:15:34,946
all around Arthur's time,
with the name Merlin.
281
00:15:36,014 --> 00:15:39,454
The first person to write
one of the medieval romances
282
00:15:39,555 --> 00:15:43,328
about Arthur,
Geoffrey of Monmouth, tells us
283
00:15:43,395 --> 00:15:47,002
one of them is a character
called Ambrosius Aurelius,
284
00:15:47,169 --> 00:15:50,677
and this was Merlin's real name.
285
00:15:50,677 --> 00:15:50,711
and this was Merlin's real name.
He's an historical figure,
286
00:15:50,711 --> 00:15:53,081
He's an historical figure,
287
00:15:53,181 --> 00:15:55,921
a warrior in Britain
just before Arthur's time,
288
00:15:56,154 --> 00:15:59,695
who seems to have retired from
the field of battle to become
289
00:15:59,761 --> 00:16:03,501
advisor to the various kings,
including Arthur.
290
00:16:03,501 --> 00:16:03,535
advisor to the various kings,
including Arthur.
That's quite amazing.
291
00:16:03,535 --> 00:16:05,038
That's quite amazing.
292
00:16:06,507 --> 00:16:08,947
Merlin appears in Wales,
he appears in Scotland,
293
00:16:09,046 --> 00:16:11,517
and he appears
deeply in the Breton legends.
294
00:16:12,353 --> 00:16:15,192
The energy and the power behind
295
00:16:15,292 --> 00:16:18,766
this character
and this story is so strong
296
00:16:19,066 --> 00:16:23,208
that we cannot write it off
as strictly legend.
297
00:16:23,275 --> 00:16:27,517
It was the representation
of a man who had a particularly
298
00:16:27,617 --> 00:16:30,791
spiritual power
within the British world.
299
00:16:31,692 --> 00:16:34,665
Was Merlin the Magician
based on an actual
300
00:16:34,731 --> 00:16:38,205
sixth-century mystic
who lived in northern Britain?
301
00:16:38,371 --> 00:16:39,975
It's a compelling theory,
302
00:16:40,108 --> 00:16:42,413
but in recent years, researchers
303
00:16:42,446 --> 00:16:46,421
have put forth an idea
that's even more incredible.
304
00:16:46,487 --> 00:16:51,732
One involving the origins of
England's once and future king.
305
00:16:54,771 --> 00:16:56,341
SHATNER:
In the Scottish highlands,
306
00:16:56,507 --> 00:16:57,978
30 miles northwest of Edinburgh,
307
00:16:58,144 --> 00:16:59,815
lies Stirling Castle.
308
00:17:00,783 --> 00:17:04,090
Built in the 12th century,
this hardened fortress
309
00:17:04,190 --> 00:17:06,394
is surrounded by cliffs
on three sides,
310
00:17:06,494 --> 00:17:10,436
and is protected
by massive stone walls.
311
00:17:10,502 --> 00:17:14,410
For centuries, Scottish kings
used this stronghold
312
00:17:14,510 --> 00:17:17,016
to defend
their country's independence.
313
00:17:17,249 --> 00:17:21,258
Although Stirling Castle was
built in the 12th century AD,
314
00:17:21,324 --> 00:17:24,698
archaeological records
indicate that Scottish clans
315
00:17:24,798 --> 00:17:28,138
built numerous structures
on this same site
316
00:17:28,271 --> 00:17:31,110
going back nearly 4,000 years.
317
00:17:52,519 --> 00:17:54,725
SHATNER:
Perhaps what's most
intriguing about the site
318
00:17:54,791 --> 00:17:57,263
where Stirling Castle sits
is that, according to yet
319
00:17:57,363 --> 00:18:00,235
another interpretation
of medieval texts,
320
00:18:00,302 --> 00:18:04,612
the real King Arthur may
not have been from England...
321
00:18:04,711 --> 00:18:08,919
but rather from
this sacred ground in Scotland.
322
00:19:25,873 --> 00:19:28,713
SHATNER:
Is it possible
that England's so-called
323
00:19:28,779 --> 00:19:32,654
"Once and Future King"
was actually Scottish?
324
00:19:34,256 --> 00:19:36,160
In recent years,
many researchers have
325
00:19:36,294 --> 00:19:38,966
suggested that it's possible,
326
00:19:38,966 --> 00:19:39,033
suggested that it's possible,
and they claim that
there may be
327
00:19:39,033 --> 00:19:40,403
and they claim that
there may be
328
00:19:40,535 --> 00:19:42,674
physical evidence
of Arthur's presence
329
00:19:42,774 --> 00:19:45,947
deep beneath
the grounds of Stirling Castle,
330
00:19:45,947 --> 00:19:46,014
deep beneath
the grounds of Stirling Castle,
under an ancient
earthen formation
331
00:19:46,014 --> 00:19:48,953
under an ancient
earthen formation
332
00:19:48,953 --> 00:19:51,592
known as King's Knot.
333
00:20:22,452 --> 00:20:26,394
SHATNER:
In 2011, archaeologists
conducting underground scans
334
00:20:26,460 --> 00:20:29,835
discovered the presence
of a large, circular structure
335
00:20:29,935 --> 00:20:33,208
buried beneath
the center of King's Knot.
336
00:20:33,441 --> 00:20:37,483
And there are those who believe
that this subterranean formation
337
00:20:37,584 --> 00:20:41,592
may have actually been
King Arthur's Round Table.
338
00:21:01,632 --> 00:21:04,437
TOK THOMPSON:
One of the biggest parts
of the Arthurian tradition
339
00:21:04,604 --> 00:21:06,040
is the idea that he has
340
00:21:06,040 --> 00:21:06,074
is the idea that he has
the Knights of the Round Table.
341
00:21:06,074 --> 00:21:07,844
the Knights of the Round Table.
342
00:21:07,911 --> 00:21:10,884
Round is important, because
the traditional thing was for
343
00:21:10,983 --> 00:21:12,620
the king to sit at
the head of the table,
344
00:21:12,754 --> 00:21:14,625
to sort of be
the authoritarian leader.
345
00:21:14,758 --> 00:21:16,327
But King Arthur wanted
his knights
346
00:21:16,494 --> 00:21:17,730
to be all equally empowered,
347
00:21:17,897 --> 00:21:19,968
so he created
the Round Table.
348
00:21:21,370 --> 00:21:23,275
SHATNER:
For centuries,
people have wondered whether
349
00:21:23,374 --> 00:21:25,512
the Round Table
could have been real,
350
00:21:25,613 --> 00:21:28,886
and searched for
evidence of its existence.
351
00:21:28,919 --> 00:21:33,762
Is it actually possible that
it's been beneath King's Knot
352
00:21:33,896 --> 00:21:36,534
at Stirling Castle
all this time?
353
00:21:36,635 --> 00:21:39,273
Many researchers
believe the answer is yes.
354
00:21:39,540 --> 00:21:42,413
And as proof, they point to
an historical account written by
355
00:21:42,512 --> 00:21:45,887
a Scottish poet
in the year 1375.
356
00:22:17,984 --> 00:22:19,989
SHATNER:
Curiously, there is another
group of people
357
00:22:20,088 --> 00:22:22,660
who believe that
King Arthur and his Round Table
358
00:22:22,760 --> 00:22:25,700
were located in Scotland,
instead of England.
359
00:22:25,733 --> 00:22:31,244
It's an ancient Scottish family
line known as Clan MacArthur,
360
00:22:31,410 --> 00:22:33,783
who claim that they are
361
00:22:33,882 --> 00:22:37,122
descendants
of King Arthur himself.
362
00:23:50,201 --> 00:23:52,540
The idea
that the King's Knot was
363
00:23:52,673 --> 00:23:54,644
the location of the Round Table
364
00:23:54,677 --> 00:23:57,951
brings the legend of King Arthur
to life in a profound way.
365
00:23:58,017 --> 00:24:02,026
And if these noble knights were,
in fact, real people,
366
00:24:02,059 --> 00:24:05,767
then perhaps we should examine
their most epic adventure:
367
00:24:05,900 --> 00:24:10,776
the quest to find
the Holy Grail.
368
00:24:13,247 --> 00:24:17,690
SHATNER:
In 2010, medieval literature
scholar Carol J. C
369
00:24:17,724 --> 00:24:21,097
published a translation of
The History of the Holy Grail,
370
00:24:21,097 --> 00:24:21,130
published a translation of
The History of the Holy Grail,
a 13th-century French text.
371
00:24:21,130 --> 00:24:24,772
a 13th-century French text.
372
00:24:26,040 --> 00:24:29,681
The original ancient manuscript
is one of the earliest sources
373
00:24:29,748 --> 00:24:33,020
documenting the story of
King Arthur and his knights'
374
00:24:33,154 --> 00:24:35,760
epic quest
to find the Holy Grail...
375
00:24:37,563 --> 00:24:40,971
the most sacred artifact
in Christian lore.
376
00:24:41,103 --> 00:24:44,076
The Holy Grail is
supposed to be a chalice
377
00:24:44,143 --> 00:24:47,015
that was once used by Jesus
at the Last Supper,
378
00:24:47,115 --> 00:24:50,657
when he shared his
last meal with his disciples.
379
00:24:50,723 --> 00:24:54,999
This cup was eventually used
to collect a few drops
380
00:24:55,131 --> 00:24:58,271
of Jesus's blood
when he was on the cross.
381
00:24:58,271 --> 00:24:58,305
of Jesus's blood
when he was on the cross.
And it was imbued with magical,
382
00:24:58,305 --> 00:25:02,179
And it was imbued with magical,
383
00:25:02,179 --> 00:25:02,245
And it was imbued with magical,
mysterious, holy healing powers.
384
00:25:02,245 --> 00:25:04,784
mysterious, holy healing powers.
385
00:25:04,851 --> 00:25:08,626
Anyone that drank from it
could be cured from any ill.
386
00:25:08,725 --> 00:25:11,798
The signal for
King Arthur to go on his quest
387
00:25:11,865 --> 00:25:15,072
to find the Holy Grail is
when a knight called Galahad
388
00:25:15,205 --> 00:25:17,844
sits in a seat
at the Round Table.
389
00:25:18,846 --> 00:25:22,620
And when Galahad sits
in that seat, the Holy Grail
390
00:25:22,720 --> 00:25:26,093
appears miraculously
above the Round Table.
391
00:25:28,131 --> 00:25:30,737
McGOWAN:
When the knights see
the Grail in this manner,
392
00:25:30,769 --> 00:25:34,845
this vision of this incredibly
mysterious, veiled object,
393
00:25:34,978 --> 00:25:37,082
they realize that
this is sacred,
394
00:25:37,149 --> 00:25:39,955
and that this is something that
they must go in search of,
395
00:25:40,054 --> 00:25:41,625
but also that
it's going to be a quest.
396
00:25:41,758 --> 00:25:43,695
It's not going
to be an easy task.
397
00:25:44,864 --> 00:25:48,104
SHATNER:
As the story goes,
the Knights of the Round Table
398
00:25:48,171 --> 00:25:52,112
embarked on a perilous journey
to find the Holy Grail.
399
00:25:53,014 --> 00:25:56,120
Multiple accounts of
the legend describe how
400
00:25:56,220 --> 00:25:59,828
their quest led them
to distant lands
401
00:25:59,894 --> 00:26:03,870
and mysterious castles in search
of this sacred artifact.
402
00:26:03,902 --> 00:26:05,974
PHILLIPS:
All the Knights of
the Round Table are involved
403
00:26:06,073 --> 00:26:09,180
in the quest, but
the great unsolved mystery
404
00:26:09,213 --> 00:26:13,088
is did King Arthur
eventually find the Holy Grail?
405
00:26:13,154 --> 00:26:17,062
Well, it depends which legend
you want to follow.
406
00:26:17,195 --> 00:26:18,966
But it's still
supposed to be hidden
407
00:26:19,132 --> 00:26:21,136
somewhere in Britain today.
408
00:26:22,372 --> 00:26:25,411
SHATNER:
If King Arthur and the Knights
of the Round Table
409
00:26:25,411 --> 00:26:25,445
SHATNER:
If King Arthur and the Knights
of the Round Table
were, in fact, real people,
410
00:26:25,445 --> 00:26:27,551
were, in fact, real people,
411
00:26:27,783 --> 00:26:32,927
then is it possible that they
actually found the Holy Grail?
412
00:26:33,060 --> 00:26:36,534
And if so,
is the Grail still hidden
413
00:26:36,701 --> 00:26:39,106
somewhere in England today?
414
00:26:39,206 --> 00:26:40,843
McMAHON: There are
lots of theories on where
415
00:26:40,976 --> 00:26:43,616
the Holy Grail
was allegedly buried.
416
00:26:43,749 --> 00:26:47,189
But if you believe
in King Arthur,
417
00:26:47,222 --> 00:26:50,930
if you believe that he went
on a quest for the Holy Grail,
418
00:26:51,096 --> 00:26:52,967
you have to go to the area
419
00:26:53,100 --> 00:26:55,271
around the Chalice Well,
at Glastonbury.
420
00:26:57,242 --> 00:27:00,583
McGOWAN:
The Chalice Well in
Glastonbury is a beautiful area
421
00:27:00,716 --> 00:27:02,286
that is also known
as the Blood Well,
422
00:27:02,385 --> 00:27:05,158
because the water
that flows from it is red.
423
00:27:06,193 --> 00:27:09,366
Now, one of the legends
is that it flows this way,
424
00:27:09,433 --> 00:27:12,339
because the Holy Grail
was once buried within it.
425
00:27:12,405 --> 00:27:16,280
And because the Grail was
related to the blood of Jesus,
426
00:27:16,280 --> 00:27:20,489
that the spring itself then
flowed with the blood of Jesus.
427
00:27:21,357 --> 00:27:24,162
There's a long-standing story
in England
428
00:27:24,263 --> 00:27:27,136
that Joseph of Arimathea,
the great-uncle of Jesus,
429
00:27:27,269 --> 00:27:30,676
brought the Holy Grail
to Glastonbury,
430
00:27:30,876 --> 00:27:32,714
where he concealed it.
431
00:27:33,782 --> 00:27:37,155
ARMSTRONG:
In the early legends,
there's an account of how
432
00:27:37,289 --> 00:27:40,128
Joseph of Arimathea plants
his staff
433
00:27:40,161 --> 00:27:43,134
where there is a spring, at
the bottom of Glastonbury Hill,
434
00:27:43,301 --> 00:27:45,004
which grows into a thorn tree.
435
00:27:46,440 --> 00:27:49,446
And so, the idea grew up
over the centuries that
436
00:27:49,446 --> 00:27:52,319
the Holy Grail has been hidden
in the bottom of the spring.
437
00:27:53,889 --> 00:27:59,000
McMAHON:
Once he did that, the water
from the well gushed forth red.
438
00:27:59,166 --> 00:28:01,337
Red as blood.
Warm as blood.
439
00:28:01,437 --> 00:28:04,376
Coagulating even
like hemoglobin, it's said.
440
00:28:04,443 --> 00:28:09,219
And that this water is very
literally the blood of Christ.
441
00:28:10,455 --> 00:28:14,965
It's been a very durable legend
because the water is stained
442
00:28:15,098 --> 00:28:17,603
because the sand which it flows
443
00:28:17,770 --> 00:28:19,907
out of is rich in iron.
444
00:28:21,076 --> 00:28:23,816
And the iron stains it red,
445
00:28:23,915 --> 00:28:27,089
so, naturally, people must have
looked at that,
446
00:28:27,155 --> 00:28:30,630
and they must have thought,
"This looks like blood."
447
00:28:31,530 --> 00:28:34,203
SHATNER:
According to some versions
of the Grail legend,
448
00:28:34,336 --> 00:28:37,442
after being
gravely wounded in battle,
449
00:28:37,475 --> 00:28:41,217
King Arthur sought healing from
the waters of the Chalice Well,
450
00:28:41,350 --> 00:28:43,923
perhaps indicating
that he knew that
451
00:28:44,089 --> 00:28:45,926
the Grail was hidden there.
452
00:28:48,297 --> 00:28:50,268
The idea that
the Holy Grail is buried near
453
00:28:50,401 --> 00:28:53,909
the Chalice Well was
so inspiring
454
00:28:53,975 --> 00:28:58,117
that in 1959, a man named
Wellesley Tudor Pole decided to
455
00:28:58,184 --> 00:29:02,526
spend a fortune in the hope
of recovering the Grail.
456
00:29:02,793 --> 00:29:06,969
Wellesley Tudor Pole was
an eccentric English aristocrat.
457
00:29:07,102 --> 00:29:09,473
He bought the area
around the Chalice Well,
458
00:29:09,574 --> 00:29:12,914
and commissioned
an archaeologist, Philip Rahtz,
459
00:29:13,014 --> 00:29:15,920
to conduct some digs
there to find evidence
460
00:29:16,020 --> 00:29:18,358
that Joseph of Arimathea
had been there.
461
00:29:19,259 --> 00:29:22,433
ALLAN:
He did a great dig,
and what he found was that
462
00:29:22,532 --> 00:29:25,906
there is a well house
around the well,
463
00:29:26,006 --> 00:29:28,712
and it goes right back
to 2,000 years ago.
464
00:29:28,845 --> 00:29:32,318
So that would be about AD 63,
465
00:29:32,385 --> 00:29:36,895
when people thought Joseph
of Arimathea sailed to Britain.
466
00:29:36,995 --> 00:29:40,101
SHATNER:
Could the Holy Grail
really be hidden
467
00:29:40,268 --> 00:29:42,472
somewhere near the Chalice Well?
468
00:29:42,539 --> 00:29:46,782
Perhaps. But whether or not
the Grail is buried there,
469
00:29:46,881 --> 00:29:49,519
the legend of King Arthur
and his knights' quest
470
00:29:49,519 --> 00:29:49,554
the legend of King Arthur
and his knights' quest
to find this sacred object
471
00:29:49,554 --> 00:29:51,090
to find this sacred object
472
00:29:51,156 --> 00:29:55,331
still inspires people
to visit the Chalice Well today.
473
00:29:56,300 --> 00:29:58,706
YOUNG:
For a small fee,
a tourist can have a drink
474
00:29:58,905 --> 00:30:00,743
from the Chalice Well.
475
00:30:00,909 --> 00:30:03,347
If you long for transcendence,
476
00:30:03,414 --> 00:30:05,418
it is good to make
such a pilgrimage.
477
00:30:05,518 --> 00:30:07,623
It doesn't matter whether
it's true or not.
478
00:30:07,623 --> 00:30:07,657
It doesn't matter whether
it's true or not.
It's true in the heart.
479
00:30:07,657 --> 00:30:09,159
It's true in the heart.
480
00:30:10,228 --> 00:30:13,534
McGOWAN:
The idea of the Grail
is our human
481
00:30:13,602 --> 00:30:16,307
quest for something
that is bigger than we are.
482
00:30:17,175 --> 00:30:19,614
This is what the Arthurian
legends are all about.
483
00:30:19,914 --> 00:30:22,887
The legend of Arthur
and the legend of the Holy Grail
484
00:30:23,053 --> 00:30:25,125
will always be intertwined.
485
00:30:26,059 --> 00:30:29,533
SHATNER:
The Holy Grail is one of
the most popular aspects
486
00:30:29,600 --> 00:30:33,975
of Arthurian lore, and the quest
to find it is ongoing.
487
00:30:34,075 --> 00:30:38,451
But there's another
elusive relic that many hope
488
00:30:38,552 --> 00:30:41,958
could prove King Arthur's
existence. His body.
489
00:30:43,127 --> 00:30:46,066
And believe it or not,
some people claim they know
490
00:30:46,200 --> 00:30:48,605
where it just might be buried.
491
00:30:56,220 --> 00:30:57,656
SHATNER: Rising above
the clay roofs of this
We're told Arthur was buried on
an i
492
00:30:57,656 --> 00:30:57,757
SHATNER: Rising above
the clay roofs of this
We're told Arthur was buried on
an i
humble town
in the English countryside
493
00:30:57,757 --> 00:31:01,130
humble town
in the English countryside
494
00:31:01,230 --> 00:31:05,304
is the ancient hill
known as Glastonbury Tor.
495
00:31:07,041 --> 00:31:11,551
Atop its peak lies the ruins
of a 14th-century church,
496
00:31:11,618 --> 00:31:15,191
the last remnants of what
many researchers believe
497
00:31:15,258 --> 00:31:18,531
was a series of religious
sites constructed here.
498
00:31:19,967 --> 00:31:24,276
McMAHON:
Glastonbury Tor is
the very center of Glastonbury.
499
00:31:24,376 --> 00:31:28,284
This hill has always
been a sacred place, going back
500
00:31:28,384 --> 00:31:31,057
to the Christians,
to the Romans, to the Celts,
501
00:31:31,156 --> 00:31:34,363
and right back to
the dawn of civilization
502
00:31:34,462 --> 00:31:38,772
as a center of prayer,
sacrifice, and ritual.
503
00:31:39,005 --> 00:31:42,045
SHATNER:
Perhaps what's most intriguing
about Glastonbury Tor
504
00:31:42,178 --> 00:31:44,383
is that many believe it to be
505
00:31:44,516 --> 00:31:47,389
the place where
King Arthur was buried
506
00:31:47,522 --> 00:31:51,497
after legends say
he died in 537 AD.
507
00:31:53,067 --> 00:31:55,304
The legend is that, um,
508
00:31:55,438 --> 00:31:57,877
Arthur's mortally wounded
in battle,
509
00:31:58,010 --> 00:32:00,916
at a battle called Camlann,
510
00:32:01,016 --> 00:32:04,356
where his son, Mordred,
was also killed.
511
00:32:05,224 --> 00:32:08,932
ARMSTRONG: The Battle of Camlann
is first attested
512
00:32:09,065 --> 00:32:11,872
in a 10th-century Welsh text.
513
00:32:12,038 --> 00:32:15,779
And it seems as if it may be
514
00:32:15,779 --> 00:32:15,813
And it seems as if it may be
referring to earlier texts
515
00:32:15,813 --> 00:32:18,551
referring to earlier texts
516
00:32:18,618 --> 00:32:21,357
that had accounts of this
battle, that it was well known,
517
00:32:21,423 --> 00:32:26,568
and seems to be based on, many
historians believe, real events.
518
00:32:27,435 --> 00:32:31,043
The Battle of Camlann
is Arthur's final battle.
519
00:32:32,045 --> 00:32:34,115
It's against Mordred.
520
00:32:35,284 --> 00:32:39,627
And as Arthur's dying,
he's taken away from there by
521
00:32:39,627 --> 00:32:39,694
And as Arthur's dying,
he's taken away from there by
a bunch of mysterious maidens
522
00:32:39,694 --> 00:32:41,965
a bunch of mysterious maidens
523
00:32:42,098 --> 00:32:45,338
and buried on a nearby island,
524
00:32:45,471 --> 00:32:47,276
seemingly
in the middle of a lake.
525
00:32:47,442 --> 00:32:49,847
An island known as Avalon.
526
00:32:50,749 --> 00:32:53,455
SHATNER:
For centuries,
people have been fascinated
527
00:32:53,588 --> 00:32:55,960
by the idea
of a mystical island where
528
00:32:56,059 --> 00:32:58,899
this brave warrior
was supposedly buried.
529
00:33:00,034 --> 00:33:01,905
But if it's true
that King Arthur was buried
530
00:33:02,071 --> 00:33:03,775
on the Isle of Avalon,
531
00:33:03,775 --> 00:33:03,876
on the Isle of Avalon,
then where is this
supposed island located?
532
00:33:03,876 --> 00:33:08,517
then where is this
supposed island located?
533
00:33:08,585 --> 00:33:14,362
Well, one popular theory
suggests that the Isle of Avalon
534
00:33:14,462 --> 00:33:18,538
and Glastonbury Tor
are one and the same.
535
00:33:19,472 --> 00:33:21,678
There's a very,
very strong tradition in England
536
00:33:21,778 --> 00:33:25,720
that Glastonbury Tor is Avalon,
the Isle of Avalon.
537
00:33:26,654 --> 00:33:29,060
Now, you might say,
wait a minute, this is inland,
538
00:33:29,225 --> 00:33:30,796
it is not an island,
539
00:33:31,096 --> 00:33:34,135
but Glastonbury Tor
actually has a lot going for it
540
00:33:34,235 --> 00:33:37,075
as a potential site
for the Arthurian tradition.
541
00:33:38,477 --> 00:33:41,117
When you're looking
at Glastonbury Tor,
542
00:33:41,249 --> 00:33:44,857
it stands out from
this misty valley floor.
543
00:33:45,124 --> 00:33:48,030
It is this massive mound
that comes out of an otherwise
544
00:33:48,130 --> 00:33:51,804
flat ground,
surrounded very often by mist.
545
00:33:52,706 --> 00:33:55,444
So, it looks like an island
When you're looking at it.
546
00:33:57,382 --> 00:34:01,390
McMAHON:
Glastonbury was
surrounded by a misty swamp,
547
00:34:01,423 --> 00:34:05,498
more than likely a malarial
swamp, for thousands of years.
548
00:34:06,400 --> 00:34:10,007
So, in Arthur's time,
those approaching Glastonbury
549
00:34:10,141 --> 00:34:12,713
literally would
have had to sail across,
550
00:34:12,813 --> 00:34:16,454
because what we see today--
the hill, the Tor--
551
00:34:16,621 --> 00:34:18,825
was essentially an island.
552
00:34:18,825 --> 00:34:18,859
was essentially an island.
The Isle of Avalon.
553
00:34:18,859 --> 00:34:20,061
The Isle of Avalon.
554
00:34:21,296 --> 00:34:24,202
SHATNER:
Is it possible that
King Arthur was laid to rest
555
00:34:24,336 --> 00:34:27,209
somewhere on Glastonbury Tor?
556
00:34:27,375 --> 00:34:28,878
It's a fascinating theory.
557
00:34:30,549 --> 00:34:33,521
But many researchers claim
that Arthur's remains
558
00:34:33,655 --> 00:34:35,859
weren't buried on
the massive hill
559
00:34:36,159 --> 00:34:40,334
but rather at another location
that is nearby.
560
00:34:40,434 --> 00:34:43,440
Less than a mile away
from Glastonbury Tor
561
00:34:43,575 --> 00:34:46,614
lie the ruins
of Glastonbury Abbey,
562
00:34:46,714 --> 00:34:50,254
an ancient monastery that
some believe was Arthur's
563
00:34:50,421 --> 00:34:53,227
real final resting place.
564
00:34:53,327 --> 00:34:56,735
And as proof,
they point to a discovery made
565
00:34:56,768 --> 00:35:00,776
by the monks who lived there
almost a thousand years ago.
566
00:35:02,245 --> 00:35:06,486
McMAHON:
In the year 1191,
the monks at Glastonbury Abbey
567
00:35:06,587 --> 00:35:10,829
claimed that they all
had this collective vision
568
00:35:10,896 --> 00:35:14,336
which led them to
the secret tomb of King Arthur,
569
00:35:14,436 --> 00:35:18,645
which was allegedly
buried in Glastonbury.
570
00:35:18,745 --> 00:35:23,187
What they found there
was a huge coffin.
571
00:35:23,353 --> 00:35:26,728
And within it was a skeleton,
572
00:35:26,828 --> 00:35:29,967
which they claimed
had to be King Arthur,
573
00:35:30,234 --> 00:35:34,142
and next to him a female
skeleton, obviously Guinevere.
574
00:35:35,211 --> 00:35:39,186
ALLAN:
A cross was apparently
discovered
575
00:35:39,352 --> 00:35:42,760
in the excavation in 1191,
576
00:35:42,893 --> 00:35:47,770
and it had Latin letters
on it that said,
577
00:35:47,836 --> 00:35:51,911
"Here lies the famous Arthur
in the Isle of Avalon."
578
00:35:53,447 --> 00:35:58,691
McGOWAN:
We know from the 12th century
that a grave was found.
579
00:35:58,792 --> 00:36:01,130
And there's a lot of
evidence that there might be
580
00:36:01,396 --> 00:36:05,906
something to this; this idea
of Arthur being buried here.
581
00:36:06,006 --> 00:36:09,513
And there are at least
six different sources,
582
00:36:09,547 --> 00:36:11,851
some going back to the latter
part of the Dark Ages,
583
00:36:11,918 --> 00:36:17,028
that indicate that Guinevere was
buried in Glastonbury as well.
584
00:36:17,261 --> 00:36:21,470
SHATNER:
According to historical
records, Arthur's supposed tomb
585
00:36:21,536 --> 00:36:25,912
and remains were destroyed
in a fire in the 16th century.
586
00:36:27,248 --> 00:36:30,656
But people still come
from all around the world today
587
00:36:30,689 --> 00:36:34,897
to see the site and pay their
respects to the deceased king.
588
00:36:35,999 --> 00:36:39,539
There's not much to see
at the King Arthur grave site,
589
00:36:39,707 --> 00:36:41,543
but you can see the outline
590
00:36:41,677 --> 00:36:43,715
of where the marble tomb
once was.
591
00:36:43,748 --> 00:36:47,590
It's just grass everywhere
around and a modern sign
592
00:36:47,689 --> 00:36:50,696
telling you King Arthur
was once buried here.
593
00:36:51,631 --> 00:36:54,637
So, of course, there's
a certain degree of skepticism,
594
00:36:54,703 --> 00:36:57,776
but that is the story that
was told in the Middle Ages.
595
00:36:58,945 --> 00:37:01,316
THOMPSON:
There's also another
interesting factor
596
00:37:01,449 --> 00:37:02,753
with the Arthurian tradition,
597
00:37:02,853 --> 00:37:05,425
and that is there's
a long-standing belief
598
00:37:05,592 --> 00:37:06,994
among many people in England
599
00:37:06,994 --> 00:37:07,095
among many people in England
that Arthur is
the once and future king.
600
00:37:07,095 --> 00:37:09,199
that Arthur is
the once and future king.
601
00:37:10,034 --> 00:37:12,138
In other words,
he's not really dead yet.
602
00:37:12,338 --> 00:37:13,875
He's going to come back.
603
00:37:14,743 --> 00:37:17,048
And so,
wherever Arthur's buried
604
00:37:17,315 --> 00:37:21,223
then becomes a potential site
for his rebirth,
605
00:37:21,323 --> 00:37:23,494
for his reemergence
into our world.
606
00:37:24,362 --> 00:37:27,402
Will further investigation
uncover
607
00:37:27,535 --> 00:37:31,009
King Arthur's
final resting place?
608
00:37:31,042 --> 00:37:33,013
Perhaps.
609
00:37:33,013 --> 00:37:33,080
Perhaps.
But while Arthur
may be long dead,
610
00:37:33,080 --> 00:37:35,451
But while Arthur
may be long dead,
611
00:37:35,552 --> 00:37:37,288
there are many
around the world who believe
612
00:37:37,388 --> 00:37:40,962
that his spirit
can still be found.
613
00:37:47,943 --> 00:37:50,347
SHATNER:
Scholars at Bristol University
614
00:37:50,481 --> 00:37:52,586
make an astonishing discovery
615
00:37:52,619 --> 00:37:56,594
hidden inside the bindings of a
16th-century French manuscript.
616
00:37:56,694 --> 00:38:00,669
They find seven ancient
handwritten notes
617
00:38:00,769 --> 00:38:04,409
revealing a previously unknown
tale of Merlin
618
00:38:04,509 --> 00:38:08,885
inspiring King Arthur
and his knights in battle.
619
00:38:08,918 --> 00:38:12,425
JULIAN HARRISON:
It's always incredible
when anybody finds a new remnant
620
00:38:12,491 --> 00:38:15,398
of the works of King Arthur
for the very first time.
621
00:38:15,531 --> 00:38:17,569
Subsequent analysis
has suggested
622
00:38:17,669 --> 00:38:20,709
that it was written
probably in the 13th century
623
00:38:20,809 --> 00:38:23,581
in the language which
is known as Old French.
624
00:38:23,581 --> 00:38:23,582
in the language which
is known as Old French.
And we now believe it belongs
to the so-called Vulgate Cycle
625
00:38:23,582 --> 00:38:27,623
And we now believe it belongs
to the so-called Vulgate Cycle
626
00:38:27,789 --> 00:38:28,958
of the legends of King Arthur.
627
00:38:29,058 --> 00:38:31,631
It's one of those things
which makes you sit up
628
00:38:31,731 --> 00:38:34,269
and think, well,
what else is out there?
629
00:38:34,402 --> 00:38:35,906
What else can
we potentially find?
630
00:38:37,676 --> 00:38:40,280
SHATNER:
The discovery of each
new ancient manuscript or
631
00:38:40,414 --> 00:38:42,819
fragment of
medieval poetry adds
632
00:38:42,886 --> 00:38:47,061
a new piece to the puzzle
of King Arthur and his origins.
633
00:38:48,463 --> 00:38:51,303
But what's even more intriguing
is that there are scientists
634
00:38:51,436 --> 00:38:54,844
who believe that
by using new technology,
635
00:38:54,877 --> 00:38:59,887
we might find evidence that
this mythical hero was real.
636
00:39:08,838 --> 00:39:11,444
Scientists working at
Family Tree DNA
637
00:39:11,577 --> 00:39:14,316
conduct an analysis
of genetic samples
638
00:39:14,449 --> 00:39:17,488
from 400 ancestral
British families,
639
00:39:17,589 --> 00:39:22,332
whose lineage date
back to the sixth century AD.
640
00:39:22,599 --> 00:39:26,039
The goal of the study is to
determine whether these families
641
00:39:26,139 --> 00:39:29,613
could be descendants
of the real King Arthur.
642
00:40:19,512 --> 00:40:21,818
SHATNER:
Will genetic analysis be able
643
00:40:21,917 --> 00:40:24,188
to prove
that King Arthur was real?
644
00:40:24,188 --> 00:40:24,289
to prove
that King Arthur was real?
For now,
that question is unanswered,
645
00:40:24,289 --> 00:40:26,727
For now,
that question is unanswered,
646
00:40:26,894 --> 00:40:28,998
but one thing is certain.
647
00:40:29,867 --> 00:40:32,572
The appeal of
the legend of King Arthur
648
00:40:32,706 --> 00:40:35,344
will endure
for generations to come.
649
00:40:36,246 --> 00:40:39,587
WOOD:
Arthur has really become,
in many ways, immortal.
650
00:40:39,720 --> 00:40:42,492
He represents
what's best of the past.
651
00:40:42,559 --> 00:40:47,602
Heroicism, courtliness,
even an element of magic.
652
00:40:47,669 --> 00:40:52,111
He represents to us the past
that we want to recapture.
653
00:40:52,211 --> 00:40:54,683
He's still the hero
that everybody wants to be,
654
00:40:54,783 --> 00:40:58,490
and so he is really
the Once and Future King.
655
00:40:58,591 --> 00:41:01,597
People look at
the Arthurian legends
656
00:41:01,664 --> 00:41:05,271
and the stories about
King Arthur in different ways.
657
00:41:06,139 --> 00:41:09,212
Some look at it
for the brotherhood.
658
00:41:10,013 --> 00:41:12,786
Some look at it for the action.
659
00:41:12,886 --> 00:41:15,424
And some look at it
for the love stories.
660
00:41:16,560 --> 00:41:20,769
Some look at it as a piece
of history throughout time.
661
00:41:20,835 --> 00:41:26,012
And that's why I think we'll
always be chasing the legend
662
00:41:26,112 --> 00:41:29,318
of Arthur and the Knights
of the Round Table.
663
00:41:30,989 --> 00:41:34,730
Was King Arthur
a flesh and blood man,
664
00:41:34,863 --> 00:41:36,801
or just
a larger-than-life legend?
665
00:41:36,867 --> 00:41:40,609
Well, some parts of the story
are almost certainly fantasy
666
00:41:40,708 --> 00:41:43,247
while others definitely
make you wonder
667
00:41:43,313 --> 00:41:45,619
whether there was
a real man behind the myth.
668
00:41:45,718 --> 00:41:49,761
So, while our quest
to find answers continues,
669
00:41:49,860 --> 00:41:54,369
the truth behind
this iconic king remains...
670
00:41:54,603 --> 00:41:56,005
unexplained.
671
00:41:57,007 --> 00:41:58,644
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