These are the tales (comprised of prose) concerning
King Arthur (of Great Britain) and Arthur' s
Knights of the Round Table.
This tale, in particular, was responsible in providing one of the most significant themes as to medieval romance throughout the continent of Europe.
Arthur is born into a great family. He is the conception of Queen Igraine. This event occurs when Arthur's father, Uther Pendragon disguises himself (through magic) as the queen's husband. Arthur is marked for the future role of
king when, as a young boy, he removes (successfully) the sword of Excalibur from a stone. (Arthur proves himself as the only man who has been able to perform the feat.) This, in the storyline, is depicted as a sign that Arthur is the true king.)
Later, Arthur, marries Guinevere and sets up his court at Camelot. Arthur's advisor is the wizard Merlin. Here he gathers the flower of the Knighthood at his Round Table.
Basically, most of the content is comprised of the adventures and passions of the different
knights.
In the end, the adulterous love affair between Queen Guinevere and Lancelot (Arthur's favorite knight) causes the fellowship to dissolve.
Additionally, Mordred, Arthur's untrustworthy nephew tries to usurp the crown. Arthur kills the treacherous Mordred in battle and Arthur, himself, is severely hurt. In particular versions of the tale, Arthur dies. He is subsequently buried in Glastonbury, England. Yet, in other scenarios, Sir Bedivere tosses Excalibur into the lake. (The hand of the Lady reaches out and receives the sword.) A barge is then presented and carries the wounded Arthur to the Isle of Avalon. The expectation is that, one day, Arthur will return from Avalon, thus, healed of all his wounds.
The Arthurian Legends originated within Celtic history. It is believed, as there is some proof, that Arthur was a true historical personage and a Celtic chieftain within the sixth century. It is said that Arthur was responsible for blocking invasion of the Saxons into the territory of the Welsh. The historical account also alludes to Arthur's (magical) helpers, Merlin, and Morgan le Fay (Arthur's sister).
As far as historical record, Arthur took his place as a conqueror of Europe. (This detail was chronicled by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his work entitled: "History of the Kings of Britain" and considered to be, in large part, fictitious. The account was written during the twelfth century in Latin.
Within the work entitled: "Morte D'Arthur", and written by Sir Thomas Malory, the legend was set in its classic form. (The English prose, of the work, was written in the 1400s.) Later versions include "Idylls of the King" by the poet: Alfred Tennyson (1859-1885), as well as the novel: "The Once and Future King" composed by T. H. White in (the year) 1958.