King Arthur is undoubtedly one of the most enduringly popular heroes to come out of the medieval era, and he has meant many things to many people for hundreds of years. Over time, the mythology of Arthur grew as new stories were added to the existing ones and his fame spread throughout Britain and beyond. As a result of his popularity through the ages, King Arthur has come to represent various political causes as a symbolic figurehead, earning him a reputation as a champion of causes. From medieval Welsh rebels to 20th century anti-Nazi campaigners, people have rallied behind Arthur’s war banner since before the idea of “Britain” was even created. But was Arthur more than just a hero to these people? Britain has had countless heroes throughout its history, but is Arthur’s enduring and overwhelming popularity a sign that he has become something closer to a Messiah? After the cruel Saxons decimated the British and took their land from them, the survivors rallied behind their champion and fought to reclaim their lands, culminating in victory at the Battle of Badon Hill. This idealized image of the defender and savior of the British people against the evil greed of the conquering Saxons gathered momentum in the Middle Ages, as other authors took up the tradition. The 9th century eclectic history known as the Historia Brittonum paints the “magnanimous” Arthur as leader of all the kings of Britain and their armed forces, famously listing the 12 battles against the Saxons in which he was chosen to be their commander. Read moreSection: NewsHistory & ArchaeologyMyths & LegendsEuropeHistoryAncient TraditionsPreviewRead Later