This episode examines the earliest mentions of Arthur, Merlin, Guenevere and other figures. We discuss Gildas's De Excidio et Conquestu Britanniae, Nennius's Historia Brittonum, the Annales Cambriae, the Welsh Triads and "Pa Gŵr yw y Porthor?"

The story of Culhwch and Olwen comes from the Welsh tradition, and it a great example of the kinds of legends and folktales that grew up around Arthur as a Celtic culture hero.

This episode looks at the Geoffrey of Monmouth’s 1136 text on the history of the kings of Britain, the first work to describe Arthur’s life in detail. We also take a quick look at Caradoc’s The Life of Gildas.

Geoffrey of Monmouth’s Vita Merlini tells the story of Merlin, a king and seer who retreats to the wilderness when his brothers are killed at the battle of Arfderydd.

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This episode looks at the Roman de Brut by Norman poet Wace and the English poem Brut by Layamon. Both follow from Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae. We also take a look at Gerald of Wales, and his account of the discovery of the Arthur and Guinevere's tomb at Glastonbury Abbey.

Erec and Enide is the first of Chretien de Troyes' romances, and we see the focus shift away from Arthur himself to the brave deeds and relationship drama of his knights and their ladies.