Griffis discusses development of Arthur legend

By: Anna Marie Clifton and John Alford, Ph.D.

Published: Friday, March 7, 2008

Teresa Griffis, Ph.D., assistant vice president of SCAD-Atlanta, captivated students, faculty and staff at her Feb. 28 lecture “Myth, Legend and History: Arthur Pendragon.” She delineated the origins of various elements of the Arthurian legend and spoke about her personal research and experience of Arthurian studies in Britain.

Griffis supplied a backdrop to the story of Arthur by discussing the ethnic roots of the Iberians, the nomadic people who inhabited Europe prior to the Roman conquest. The Celts succeeded the Iberians, and Griffis spoke at length about their culture and social practices. She explained that the Celtic aversion to urban lifestyles made early Roman attempts to conquer them unsuccessful. Julius Caesar had the forests of Britain burned to break the spirits of the Celts, and he eventually succeeded.

Around 410 A.D. the Romans removed themselves from the British Isles to deal with their internal problems. This left the Celts as prey for the Germanic tribes, who were seeking a permanent settlement. By 500 A.D. the Brits were in desperate shape, and here the story of Arthur begins. The Celts prevailed over the Saxons in the Battle of Mount Badon. The “Manuscript of Gildas” cites the “dux bellorum Artorius” as the victorious leader of the Brits.

Over the years, successive elements have been added to the story of Arthur, and Griffis pointed out that although there may be historically accurate elements to the story, it is the myth that organizes the information.

She explained that in 1170, Chrétien de Troyes compiled legends of Arthur and included a character named Lancelot for the first time. A little more than 50 years later, the “Vulgate Cycle,” a French work, added Tristan, Isolde and Yseult. “Le Morte d’Arthur,” written by Sir Thomas Malory in the 15th century, added the concept of chivalry — which, Griffis pointed out, is a false and naive notion of reality — to the tale. During this time, the round table came into play as well, as an example of a utopian ideal of wholeness in society.

Lecturegoers had positive reactions to the historical content of the lecture. Jennifer Jones, assistant director of communications, said, “I always loved King Arthur stories, and listening to Dr. Griffis gave me more of an insight into the history.”

Carrie Stuart, a junior painting student, enjoyed the emphasis on the historical background; she said, “I already knew a lot about Arthur, so I really enjoyed learning more about the Celts.”

Griffis ended the evening by asserting that Arthur embodies the “dream of someone strong enough to establish order over chaos.” Arthur and his enduring myth have given subject matter and inspiration to many artists, from the medieval romance writers to the Pre-Raphaelite painters. Griffis said the appeal of the Arthurian legend rests in the heart of human society across cultures and centuries. The ideals of fairness and “right is might” will continue to captivate artists, writers and others.


Clifton is a sophomore art history student at SCAD-Atlanta, and Alford is an art history professor.